From left, Sam Morehead, Martin Mikulcik, Jaewon Kang, Bobbi Brashear, and Claire Umstead show off their lithium-ion battery-powered car at the DOE National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. The Calloway County Middle School team finished in the top six nationally in model car design.

From left, Lone Oak High School team members Garrett Garneau, Nikolas Anderson, Parijat Sharma, Ricky Grewelle, and coach Charles Fountain enjoy the atmosphere of the National Science Bowl.

Calloway County Middle School won the Civility Award and was named one of the top six battery-powered model car design teams at the Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C.

DOE National Science Bowl staff and competitors voted on the Civility Award, which exemplifies character, sportsmanship, and a goal-driven future. The five members of the Calloway team were recognized for being outstanding people during the National Science Bowl April 27-30. They received prizes, gift cards, honorary medals, and $500 for the team’s Science Bowl program. 

“Most importantly, they showed that a hard-work ethic, combined with a humble attitude, can influence so many people around you,” Calloway coach Scott Pile said. “The students from western Kentucky represented our state as bright, young gentlemen and ladies.” 

Calloway Middle and Lone Oak High School won DOE Regional Science Bowl competition in February to advance to the National Science Bowl, America’s largest and most prestigious science competition for middle and high school students. It is the only educational event and academic competition that is sponsored by a federal agency. 

Sixty-nine high school teams and 44 middle school teams competed nationally in math, science, and energy questioning. Middle school teams also designed, built, and raced lithium-ion battery-powered model cars. Pile said DOE engineers interviewed Calloway team members about their car. Based on the interview and design documentation, the Calloway students presented their ideas on stage in front of all middle school teams.

Calloway narrowly lost 120-118 to eventual undefeated national champion Hopkins Junior High during pool play for the academic portion of the tournament, Pile said. “Our students proved their knowledge can stack up again the best that our country has to offer.”

Coach Charles Fountain said his Lone Oak team finished sixth out of a pool of nine teams, but felt vindicated by competing against eventual national champion Lexington High School of Lexington, Mass., and national runner-up North Hollywood High School of North Hollywood, Fla.

Lone Oak also competed in the Division Team Challenge, in which high school teams vied against each other and the clock to solve scientific problems. The teams used scientific principles and simple tools.

“I think the entire experience for our students was very eye-opening when you think of the extent of knowledge that is out there among their peers,” Fountain said. “Also, the opportunity to work with professionals was amazing when it comes to problem solving.”