Maui Science Bowl Team advances to Nationals

By Wendy Osher

Maui High will represent Hawaii at the National Science Bowl competition in Chevy Chase, Maryland on April 28 – May 2, 2011. Pictured left to right are: Ed Ginoza (Coach), Trent Hori, Zachary Hill, Ross Ito, Captain Michael Flynn, and Dane Oshiro.

The Maui High Science Bowl team will represent Hawaii at the National level after claiming the state title in the 18th Annual Hawaii Science Bowl competition over the weekend.

Maui High earned the state title by defeating Waiakea in the final round of compeition on January 29, 2011.

The Maui team members include seniors Michael Flynn, Dane Oshiro, and Ross Ito; sophomore Zachary Hill; and freshman alternate Trent Hori.  The five-member Maui team is coached by retired teacher and veteran Science Bowl mentor Ed Ginoza.

“It’s been a year preparing for it and it’s extremely rewarding,” said team captain Michel Flynn.

In addition to an all-expense paid trip to Maryland, the winning Maui High team receives team jackets, and the MHS science department receives a $500 cash award.

Approximately 100 top science and math students on 20 teams, gathered at Honolulu Community College on Saturday for the state competition.

The winning roster represented the first time in the history of the Hawaii Science Bowl that the top four teams were from public schools.

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.

The National event runs from April 28-May 2, 2011 at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland.