The Waiakea High School team.

HONOLULU – It all came down to the final round of competition with Maui High pulling out a victory over Waiakea High to claim the title of champion at the 18th annual Hawaii Science Bowl on January 29. The victory earned Maui the opportunity to represent Hawaii in the National Science Bowl® competition from April 28-May 2, 2011 at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. For the first time in the history of the Hawaii Science Bowl the top four teams were from public schools with Waiakea, Roosevelt, and Pearl City rounding out the top. Also notable was that the top two teams came from public schools on the neighbor islands.

Approximately 100 top science and math students gathered at Honolulu Community College on Saturday for the 18th annual competition. A total of 20 teams from schools across the state competed in this year’s event. Coached by retired teacher and veteran Science Bowl mentor Ed Ginoza, seniors Michael Flynn, Dane Oshiro, Ross Ito, sophomore Zachary Hill and freshman alternate Trent Hori made up the winning Maui team. “It’s been a year preparing for it and it’s extremely rewarding,” said team captain Michel Flynn. “It’s all because of Mr. Ginoza. He’s the one working us toward the goal, reminding us of what is important.” In addition to the all expense paid trip to Maryland, the students receive team jackets and Maui High’s science department received a $500 cash award Waiakea High school took second place, winning an all expense paid neighbor island science trip and a $400 cash award for their science department. Third and fourth place finishers Roosevelt and Pearl City received $300 and $200 cash awards respectively for their science departments. Kauai’s Waimea High School won the Wild Card competition and received a $50 cash award for their science department.

“We commend each and every student for their commitment, dedication, and passion for science,” said Steve Golden, President of the Hawaii Science Bowl executive committee. “This event serves as a stepping stone for our Hawaii high school students to excel and further their education.”

The National Science Bowl is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Hawaii Science Bowl is co-sponsored by: Hawaii Alpha Delta Kappa; Hawaii Electric Light Company; Hawaiian Electric Company; Hawaiian Telcom; Honolulu Community College; Maui Electric Company; Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training; The Gas Company; Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel; State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; State of Hawaii Department of Education; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Coast Guard; and Hawaii Science Teachers Association.