MADISON – The Science Team from Discovery Middle School competed in the Alabama Middle School Science Bowl Competition in Mobile and successfully claimed second place in the contest.

Hosts for the event on March 2-3 were Alabama School of Math and Science, along with the Department of Energy. Judges recognized the Madison students for outstanding achievement in mathematics, science and technology.

Discovery Science Team members are seventh-graders Neha Chopade, who serves as team captain; Puja Chopade; and Constance Wang. Members in eighth grade are Aubteen Pour Biazar and Thomas Nguyen.

“All these students surely do have a passion for science, math and technology, and their placement is a clear indication of their hard work that included delving into science topics that were beyond their age,” parent coaches Beena and Shubham Chopade said.

“Discovery’s Science Team competed for the first time in this middle school competition, and the results were amazing,” Beena Chopade said. “There was awesome display of teamwork and their speed of response and accuracy of answers was mind-blowing to many at the tournament.”

The team devoted many hours to practicing during weekends since May 2017 and had invaluable input from their peers at Bob Jones High School. “Aditi Limaye and Shantanu Kadam from Bob Jones were instrumental in Discovery’s success,” Beena Chopade said. “The team presented their plaque to their science teachers and principal with great pride.”

The Discovery team expressed thanks to high school Science Bowl Coach Ben Johnston at Bob Jones and for his allowing the Discovery students to practice with Bob Jones team members during December.

“Many thanks to Kimberly Stewart, Principal of Discovery, for allowing parent coaches to lead the Discovery team. Thanks also to Discovery science teachers Dave Sippel and William Smith and math teachers Kelsey Cooper and Julie Goldston, who are instrumental in this success,” Beena Chopade said.

In addition, Tesa Hernandez, science teacher at Horizon Elementary School, served the team as a moderator during a practice session.

“It sure takes a village and a group of very motivated students to reach this level of excellence in their first attempt. Go Panthers,” Beena Chopade said.