Submitted information and photo:
Dodgen Middle School’s Science Olympiad Team continues its legacy of excellence! Dodgen students recently claimed first place at the Regional Tournament held at Georgia State University, securing a spot at the State Tournament on April 19 at the University of Georgia.
The competition was intense, with 21 teams from 15 different middle schools—including fellow Cobb County schools McCleskey Middle and Campbell Middle—vying for a chance to advance. Science Olympiad challenges students in 23 STEM events, from building structures like towers and air trajectory devices to demonstrating knowledge in earth science, chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering.
Dodgen’s Science Olympiad program has been a powerhouse since 2001, consistently ranking among the best in the state. The team has won regionals multiple times, including the past two consecutive years. In the last 11 state tournaments (excluding 2020), Dodgen has placed first or second, earning the opportunity to compete at Nationals against top teams from across the country and Japan. Under the leadership of Coach Barbara Kappel, the team has made Nationals the past two years, a streak they hope to continue.
“I am so proud of the hard work and commitment our students have put in this year to continue Dodgen’s Science Olympiad success!” said Mrs. Kappel, who has coached the team to consecutive national appearances.
A Commitment to Excellence
Dodgen’s Science Olympiad program is so popular that the school has fielded three full teams for the past two years. Fifteen students per team compete in three or four different events, preparing weekly by conducting research, building and testing devices, and refining their problem-solving skills. With the help of dedicated parents and community volunteers, students sacrifice countless hours during the week and on weekends to strengthen their skills.
Science Olympiad isn’t just about competition—it fosters a collaborative community of young scientists and engineers. Older students take on leadership roles, guiding younger teammates and helping them grow in confidence and ability.
As Dodgen prepares for the state competition, the school community is cheering them on. A strong performance could earn them a third consecutive trip to Nationals at the University of Nebraska in late May.
Congratulations to the Dodgen Middle School Science Olympiad Team, Coach Kappel, and the dedicated parent and community volunteers who make this success possible!
Related:
- Lassiter speech and debate team prevails at state championship
- Cobb superintendent gets contract extension to 2028
- Cobb schools to add canine detection teams as safety measure
- Bells Ferry ES reconstruction to cost $9.8 million
- Cobb elementary students recognized in waterSmart contest
- Delta Community college scholarship applications accepted
- Cobb school district 2025-26 transfer window opens
- Cobb school board to hold hearings on homestead exemption
Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up and you’re good to go!
