Victory belongs to Hanover’s John Diefenbaker Senior School (JDSS), as four students emerged triumphant at this year’s Science Olympics, hosted by the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII)—mastering a series of inventive science-based tasks and earning top honours at Friday’s competition.
Now in its third year, the Science Olympics gathered 18 teams of sharp-minded secondary school students from Bruce, Grey, and Huron counties at the NII Advance Technology Campus on Friday, May 9, 2025. The day was packed with hands-on challenges that tested critical thinking, teamwork, and scientific smarts from start to finish.
JDSS “Team B” was in ninth place after five preliminary challenges—before coming from behind in the final event. JDSS “Team A” and FE Madill Secondary School “Team A” from Wingham placed second and third, respectively, to round out the podium finishers.
Taking home the coveted Science Olympics championship belt, the winning team is made up of students Ava Moric, Millie Montanez, Sebastian Watt, and Cole Schenk. When asked to comment on the day, Cole simply said, “Science class rules!”
“First and second—what a day for John Diefenbaker Senior School,” said science and math teacher Basil Yeldhose. Science teacher Rachael Murray agreed, “It’s such a fun day to work collaboratively and creatively in a space outside the classroom.”
With challenges spanning multiple scientific disciplines like physics, biology, chemistry, math, Earth science, and more, this groundbreaking event plays a crucial role in bridging the gap in opportunities between urban and rural secondary school students in the region.
“What an exciting mix of energy, curiosity, and competition,” said Phillip Craig, Director of STEM Education at NII. “It was incredible to see each team rise to the occasion with such focus and collaboration.”
He continued, “We’re especially thankful to Bruce Power for helping make this event possible. Their support—and the support of all NII Founding Members—plays a big role in inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders in our communities.”