Baton Rouge Magnet High School’s Top Regional Science Bowl Team: (left to right) Students Bob Liang and Conan Cai, teacher Sangita Mathur and students Justin Moore, George Li and Sreeja Sanampudi.

Of 25 teams from 15 high schools across Louisiana, one of Baton Rouge Magnet High School’s (BRMHS) three teams walked away the winner of the Regional U.S. Department of Energy Science Bowl, which was held in February at Tulane University.  They now proceed to the National Science Bowl this April to be held in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Science Bowl is a nationwide academic competition that tests students' knowledge in all areas of science, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, Energy and Mathematics. High school  students are quizzed in a fast-paced, question-and-answer format similar to the television show “Jeopardy.” Competing teams from diverse backgrounds are comprised of four students, one alternate and a teacher, who serves as an advisor and coach.  Competitions are held first at a regional level, and those winners proceed to represent their state to compete at a national event in Washington DC. 

“It was a tough day with intense competition among some of the best and brightest in our state,” said teacher Sangita Mathur of BRMHS’ Team A, “yet our team remained undefeated after 10 rounds and came home with the first-place trophy.  Our school’s Team B and Team C were at third and fourth place, respectively, just behind Louisiana School for Math, Science and Arts of Natchitoches.”

The winning BRMHS team consisted of students Justin Moore, Conan Cai, George Li, Bob Liang and Sreeja Sanampudi and coach Mathur.  Coaching assistance also was provided through the school year by teachers Lai Cao and James Jurasinski.  Team A earned $750 for the school Science Department as well as an all-expense-paid trip to the nation’s capital in April.  BRMHS’ third- and fourth-place teams won $400 and $300, respectively.

“This is the first time in the school’s history and at the Regional Quiz Bowl that all our three teams won and dominated the competition,” Cao said.  “The kids worked very hard for this!  We are so proud of our students.”  For more information, call BRMHS Principal Nanette McCann at (225) 383-0520 or log on to http://nationalsciencebowl.energy.gov.