A FANTASTIC evening for the Oklahoma Science Olympiad at last night’s Thunder game where we were recognized at mid-court with the Devon Thunder Explorers Award for STEM. Dr. Beth Allan, UCO Professor and our State Tournament Director and OK Science Olympiad Director Bob Melton accepted the award (with Rumble the Bison overseeing the presentation). Fern Melton, Putnam City High School Coach Benton Shriver, and Casady School Science Olympiad team members Jackson Walks and Jackson Davis staffed a Science Olympiad information table on the Chesapeake Arena concourse. And yes, they all got to see much of a thrilling Thunder win over the Utah Jazz. Thank you Devon Energy and the Oklahoma City Thunder for the recognition and the opportunity to showcase Science Olympiad to 18,000 of our fellow Oklahomans!

According to their 2015 press release about the Thunder Explorers, the Oklahoma City Thunder has partnered with Devon Energy to encourage kids to engage in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Christine Berney, Thunder vice president of Community Relations stated that “Community and education leaders across the state recognize the need for developing STEM skills to prepare Oklahoma’s youth for success in today’s workforce. We hope this program complements other important initiatives happening across our state to foster STEM education.”

“At Devon, our goal is to be a good neighbor, and that includes supporting ingenuity in education,” said Wendi Schuur, Devon’s director of community relations. “Our company has identified STEM instruction and learning as a top priority, so we’re pleased and proud to participate in this exciting new Devon Thunder Explorers program.”

Jackson Wilks and Jackson Davis handing out the 2018 Science Olympiad brochure

Science Olympiad table at the ‘Peake.