ROME, Ga. — Shorter University recently welcomed middle school students from across the state to campus as it hosted the Division B Regional competition for the 2025 to 2026 Georgia Science Olympiad. The day brought together young scholars, dedicated educators, and the Shorter community for a vibrant celebration of discovery, collaboration, and academic excellence. Science Olympiad is a nationally recognized STEM program that engages students in hands on learning through team based competitions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Throughout the season, teams prepare for a variety of events that challenge their knowledge and creativity, culminating in regional competitions like the one hosted on Shorter’s campus. From early morning experiments to afternoon team challenges, campus labs and classrooms were filled with energy as students competed in events ranging from engineering design and chemistry to environmental science and physics. Often described as an academic track meet, the competition provided a fun and competitive environment where students worked together to deepen their understanding of STEM disciplines. At the heart of the day were Shorter University’s own students and faculty, who served as event supervisors, lab assistants, and mentors. Their leadership helped ensure that each competition ran smoothly and that visiting students experienced a welcoming and encouraging environment throughout the day. “Hosting the Georgia Science Olympiad on our campus is always a meaningful opportunity to invest in the next generation of scientists and problem solvers,” said Dr. Clint Helms, Dean of the Ware School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. “We are especially proud of our Shorter students and faculty who served throughout the day. They demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a spirit of service and mentorship that reflects the heart of our programs. It is inspiring to watch them guide younger students, share their knowledge, and help create an environment where curiosity and discovery can flourish.” For Shorter students, the opportunity to support the competition offered valuable hands-on experience and a chance to mentor younger learners exploring their own academic interests. For visiting teams, the day provided both a competitive platform and a firsthand look at collegiate STEM learning on The Hill. The event concluded with an evening awards ceremony recognizing outstanding team and individual performances and celebrating the dedication and hard work of all who participated. Hosting events like the Georgia Science Olympiad allows Shorter University to welcome future scholars to campus while giving its own students meaningful opportunities to lead, serve, and apply what they are learning in real world settings.