On April 18, Centennial High School’s Science Olympiad team earned its tenth consecutive state championship at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, continuing their decade-long streak of success.

The team competes across a wide range of STEM events, including biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering-based challenges.

Senior captain Rishit Chauhan, a four-year member of the team, said the program’s culture plays a major role in its performance. “Our streak is fueled by a culture of community and drive. This creates a place where our members can lock in and also have fun,” Chauhan said. 

That culture was on full display, as Centennial placed highly in multiple events, receiving first place awards in Anatomy & Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry Lab, Codebusters, Designer Genes, and Experimental Design.

Junior Matthew Yang, a Team Officer, has been involved in the Science Olympiad since sixth grade. He credited the team’s long-term consistency to its support system and coaching. 

“We’re so consistent because of a tradition of teamwork and the support of our coaches,” he said, recognizing coaches Jay Boring, who teaches computer science, as well as former coaches Timothy Watson and Robert Astri, who teach physics and chemistry respectively.

For many members, being a part of the team goes far beyond just the competition results, a sentiment that Chauhan feels deeply.

 “My favorite part of Science Olympiad is the fun you have with other team members, from going on last-minute boba runs to deep discussions on bus rides to tournaments.”

Centennial is now setting its sights on the 42nd Annual Science Olympiad National Tournament, which will take place at the University of Southern California May 22–23.

Their decade of dominance reflects not only academic strength, but the team’s culture that blends learning with collaboration. With ten straight state titles, the team continues to set a high precedent, building a strong reputation for Centennial across the nation.