Preston Middle School Wins Science Olympiad Again
Preston’s Teal Team Crushes Defending Champions with Record-Breaking Victory
April 4, 2024 – University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
Preston Middle School has once again etched its name into the annals of Colorado science competition history, securing the 15th state title in school history—and its 14th since 2010—with a commanding performance at the 2024 Colorado Science Olympiad State Tournament.
After a narrow loss last year, the Preston Teal team delivered a stunning comeback, finishing 53 points ahead of runner-up Homeschool Science Colorado in a field of 30 elite teams. Their total score of 63 points reflected dominance across the competition, with eight first-place finishes, six second-place showings, and four top-four placements.
"This victory is a testament to the relentless dedication of our students and coaches," said Coach Elizabeth Loyd, now the winningest coach in state history with 11 titles under her belt. Assistant coaches Shamie Beecher and Joe Mlakar played pivotal roles in guiding the team to another championship.
📊 The Numbers Behind the Glory
Middle School Division Results
| Rank | Team | School | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Teal | Preston Middle School | 63 |
| 2 | Homeschool Science Colorado | Homeschool Science | 10 |
| 3 | Gold | Kinard Core Knowledge | 28 |
| 5 | No. 1 | Lesher IB World School | 22 |
| 6 | Purple | Preston Middle School | 18 |
| 8 | Maroon | Wellington Middle School | 14 |
| 9 | Blue | Kinard Core Knowledge | 12 |
High School Division Highlights
- Fossil Ridge High School secured second and third places, narrowly missing the top spot by just three points.
- The Black team from Fossil Ridge finished three points behind the champion, while the Green team dominated with a 109-point lead over fourth place.
Event Dominance
The competition spanned 23 rigorous events, testing students’ prowess in:
- Genetics
- Earth Science
- Chemistry
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Physics
- Geology
- Engineering & Technology
Preston’s Teal team led or contended in nearly every category, showcasing the depth of their scientific expertise.
🔥 A Legacy of Excellence
Preston Middle School’s championship streak is nothing short of legendary:
- First title in 1998 (shortly after the school’s opening).
- Uninterrupted dominance from 2010–2020, interrupted only once in 2021 by Homeschool Science Colorado.
- Back-to-back wins from 2022–2024, with a near-miss last year before this year’s resounding victory.
The Poudre School District also flexed its academic muscle, with six teams placing in the top ten of the middle school division.
🚀 Road to Nationals
With this victory, Preston’s Teal team earns a spot at the National Science Olympiad Tournament, held May 22–23 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
"We’re not just competing—we’re representing Colorado’s brightest young minds on a national stage," said a team spokesperson.
As the countdown to nationals begins, one thing is clear: Preston Middle School isn’t just a powerhouse—it’s a dynasty.
For more information on the Colorado Science Olympiad, visit www.coloradoscienceolympiad.org.
