The National Science Olympiad held in June at Juniata was a triumph of the scientific spirit. Teams from over 45 states competed in a bevy of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics events that would determine national bragging rights-at least where science is concerned. More than 300 volunteers from Juniata's faculty, staff, and administration pitched in, working jobs ranging from traffic control to catering.

“Volunteers from every department worked seamlessly together,” says Colleen McLaughlin, coordinator of conferences and events and the College's main organizer of Olympiad efforts. “Visitors told us they were very impressed at how Juniata made them feel at home.”

About 3,500 competitors and visitors visited campus and downtown Huntingdon, taking part in college activities and community events. Alumni also joined the festivities, volunteering and, in the case of Nobel laureate Bill Phillips, making the keynote address at the opening ceremonies. “It was an amazing display of cooperation between the College and the town,” says Ron Pauline, associate professor of education and site coordinator for the Olympiad.

Fayetteville-Manlius High School in Manlius, N.Y. and Booth Middle School from Peachtree City, Ga., triumphing over rain, humidity, and more than 100 competing teams, were crowned winners of the 2004 National Science Olympiad.