The Waterford School Science Olympiad team secured its second consecutive state title this year, following its first-ever win just last year.

This latest victory earned the team a spot at the national Science Olympiad competition, held at the University of Nebraska, under the leadership of first-year faculty advisor Alisa Poppen.

Seniors Keean Kawamoto and Jack Khachatryan achieved the team’s highest individual event finish, placing 17th in the chemistry lab event.

The team also improved its national ranking, moving up three spots from last year to finish 42nd in their division.

“Students gained valuable experience interacting with other teams and receiving feedback from the event organizers,” Poppen said.

The national tournament represents the highest level of competition in Science Olympiad, bringing together 120 of the top teams from across the country, along with an international team from Japan, involving more than 2,000 students.