The first class of the Gulf Breeze High School Medical and Health Professions Academy includes, front from left: Jayme Arnold, Hoang Nguyen, Poppy Sims, Karol Rodriguez, Kayla Blake, Mia Carisse and Magen Brubaker (vice president); middle, from left: Hadleigh Deermyer, Zoe Moore, Morgan Denny, Susie Harris, Abby Gubernat, Emma Bolton, Meaghan Boggs (president), Jasmyn Hearn (secretary), Gena Ramos and Chris Nguyen; back, from left: Jacob Box, Youseff Helmi, Wade Ridaught, Blake Callahan, Clay Moss and Ben Barrow. Not pictured: Destiny McWhorter and Eva Gutierrez. The group and class are directed by Barbara Atchison. Submitted photo Studies have shown that U.S. high school seniors tested below the international average for 21 countries in mathematics and science. Additionally, about one-third of fourth-graders and one-fifth of eighth-graders cannot perform basic mathematical computations.

The U.S. continues to fall behind in science and technology, and schools in Florida trail others in the nation in these critical areas.

However, programs like Science Olympiad can turn this trend around. By exposing students to exciting areas of science and technology and supporting their enthusiasm, it’s possible to keep students interested and challenged and develop future scientists, engineers, architects, doctors, nurses and many other beneficial leaders and innovators.

Gulf Breeze Middle School and Gulf Breeze High will send a combined five Science Olympiad teams to the regional and state competitions in 2012. GBMS won an unprecedented 10 straight state championships before its former sponsor retired. Since that time three years ago, GBMS has not fielded a team.

Fortunately, teachers Sherri Barber and Bob Smith have stepped up to coach the middle school team this year.

Gulf Breeze High won 11 state championships and was edged out last year by Boca Rotan Community School in last year’s finals.

Although it is difficult to compete against more resourced schools that have Science Olympiad in their daily classroom curriculum, Gulf Breeze teams continue to improve their rankings and are becoming more competitive on the national level.

To ensure these success stories keep coming, Gulf Breeze’s Science Olympiad programs need the public’s help. The estimated cost to take three middle school teams to the state competition is approximately $8,500, which covers hotel, uniform and transportation costs. If Gulf Breeze wins state, the next competition is about a month later. The good news is that the state and national competitions are both scheduled for Orlando this year. Still, the cost to attend nationals would be approximately another $8,500.

Gulf Breeze High has two teams. Roughly $10,000 is needed to attend both competitions.

The Gulf Breeze programs are seeking sponsors. Platinum sponsorships cost $1,000; gold, $500; silver, $250. Any amount is appreciated and is taxdeductible.

WHO TO CALL

To learn more, contact Bob Smith or Sherri Barber at 934- 4080 for the middle school team and Sue Cundif (916-4100) for the high school team.