Catlin Gabel emerges victorious in the 33rd annual BPA Regional Science Bowl

Tension ran high at the University of Portland Saturday, Feb. 22, as Catlin Gabel team 1, from Portland, Oregon, clashed with Mountain View High School team 1, from Vancouver, Washington to win the 33^rd annual BPA Regional Science Bowl. The high school competition followed the middle school competition on Feb. 1, where Evergreen Middle School team 2, from Redmond, Wash. emerged victorious.

Both winning teams earned a spot in the U.S. Department of Energy's National Science Bowl in Washington D.C., at the end of April.

Participating teams represent public and private high school from across western Oregon and Washington, flexing their science, technology, biology, engineering and math knowledge at the second-largest science bowl in the nation. The bowl is an intense, Jeopardy-style competition where students buzz in to answer multiple choice and short-answer questions.

To host these events, BPA relies on over 200 volunteers comprised of BPA staff, retirees, and previous competitors who are eager to support and encourage a new generation of scientific minds. BPA Communication's Heather Bain and Mike Campbell coordinated both events.

“I have been thrilled to coordinate the BPA Regional Science Bowl events over the last decade. It's a fast-paced STEM competition overflowing with brilliant minds and so much fun," Bain said.

Michelle Manary, Vice President for Transmission Marketing and Sales, was a guest speaker for this year's high school event, where she shared her journey within the agency and encouraged competitors to pursue and nurture their passion for STEM-based careers.

“Once again BPA was able to offer one of the best STEM events in the Northwest. With over 200 schools participating, this year's regional Science Bowl was a huge success," Manary said.

More information about Science Bowl is available at: Science Bowl - Bonneville Power Administration.