Science Olympiad (SCIOLY) is back for the 2024-25 school year with fresh leadership. Under the oversight of science teacher Tabby Eldridge and a crew of veteran student advisors, the club wonders if there is anything they cannot take on.
Eldridge was a president of her high school’s science club. Although she initially had her heart set on being a doctor, working in Detroit middle schools as a science content expert during college inspired her to change career paths.
“I have been passionate about science my whole life so they all kind of just went hand in hand,” Eldridge said.
As soon as ex-advisor Shelly Rothenbuhler stepped down earlier this year, Eldridge pounced on the reins. A two-time SCIOLY coach at the previous high schools she taught at, Eldridge possesses the experience necessary to lead South to victory.
“I really enjoy taking the kids and having them experience this awesome stuff,” Eldridge said. “I always liked the events where you have to come in and do something in the moment.”
At the upcoming Hawk and Hornet invitational on Nov. 16, SCIOLY members can compete in a variety of events on a scale of astronomy to constructing a functioning mini-helicopter out of balsa wood. Student advisor Adelina Parikh ’25 said the sudden staff advisor change made scheduling two full teams more hectic than usual.
“It’s exciting because it’s a new role to take on, but it’s hard balancing the events that I want to do with making sure everybody else has the ability to do events,” Parikh said.
Junior member Ronin McCracken ’26 is gearing up for the fossils event. He described participating in SCIOLY as a combination of being perpetually overwhelmed because there is so much to learn and excitement to prove oneself by rising above the competition. While he is nervous for Saturday, McCracken trusts his teammates and Eldridge to guide him.
“It’s the building blocks of life, you know? Science is cool, and I’m a nerd,” McCracken said. “I can’t say myself how we’re going to do because I’m new to this, but a lot of these people have been here for a while, and they seem to know what they’re doing.”
