News + Notes

Science Olympiad Team is Runner Up at State Tournament

In April, members of the Upper School Science Olympiad team took home second place in the state Science Olympiad Tournament. It was the third consecutive year St. Martin’s has placed in the top three schools in the state.

Senior team members Jessie Pickens and Lainey Pickens led the group by medaling in multiple events. Lainey garnered two gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. Jessie earned two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal. Junior Bharat Solanky also earned multiples with two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. Sophomore Clara Conatser got one gold and two silver medals. Junior Colby Shannon competed to win one gold and one silver medal. Junior Brandon Stokes earned three silver medals. Senior Natalia Bourg won two silver medals. Sophomore Isabella Bartholomew came away with one gold medal. Senior Bennett Kahn received one bronze medal.

Also competing for the team were: seniors Rico Coleman and Elise Lafleur, sophomores Kaylee Caracci and Rachel Royerre, and freshmen Ryan Johnson and Daniel Thompson. The team was coached by science teacher Mr. Warren Lind.

Model United Nations Team Travels to Boston, Junior Wins Outstanding Delegate Award

St. Martin’s Model United Nations team competed at Boston College’s Eagle MUN Conference from March 22-24. The gathering included 700 other delegates from 50 schools, with some students coming from as far as Mexico. The team performed extremely well, garnering an Outstanding Delegate Award for Bharat Solanky’s work on the UN World Food Program Committee.

This is the first time in recent years that the team has attended the Boston event. For the past six years, the group attended the Washington Area Model United Nations Conference (WAMUNC). In addition to conference activities, students were given opportunities to experience cultural and historical aspects of Boston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Freedom Trail. This trip made memories of a lifetime for advisors and delegates alike. The team was accompanied by sponsor Mrs. Mary Quinet and chaperone Dr. Joe Vaccaro.

Earlier this year, the team earned recognition at the local Tulane University WAVE Model UN competition. Several members of the team were recognized by the UN General Assembly Environmental Committee on the Impact of Global Warming on Oceanic and Human Health.

Junior Andrew Gary received Best Delegate-Gavel Award. Junior Bharat Solanky was named Outstanding Delegate. Senior Elise LaFleur was named a Delegate of Honor. Also representing StM were seniors Daniel Wang and Dilicia Rodriguez, and junior Andreas Poulis.