Seven Lakes High School Makes History with National Science Olympiad Win
A wave of excitement swept through the halls of Seven Lakes High School last week, as students, teachers, and families celebrated a history-making victory: the school’s first-ever national championship title at the prestigious Science Olympiad National Tournament.
Held at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the 41st annual competition drew the country’s top 60 high school teams, but it was the Spartans who emerged victorious—marking a defining moment for Katy ISD and elevating the district’s reputation on the national STEM stage.
“I am so proud of our team for earning this incredible honor and representing Seven Lakes and Katy ISD on this national stage,” said principal Kerri Finnesand. “We are committed to a culture of excellence, and this award only builds on that reputation.”
Seven Lakes wasn’t the only Katy ISD campus turning heads. Beckendorff Junior High—no stranger to the spotlight—secured sixth place in the fiercely competitive junior high division, missing fifth place by a razor-thin margin of just six points.
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For both teams, the road to nationals was paved with months of late nights, weekend practices, and hands-on experiments. The Science Olympiad isn’t your average competition—it’s a 27-event academic gauntlet that tests everything from life sciences and chemistry to astronomy and engineering.
This year’s results represent a stunning leap from 2024, when Seven Lakes placed 12th and Beckendorff finished third. To rise to national champion status in just a year speaks volumes about the passion, perseverance, and brainpower behind these students—and the educators guiding them.
In Texas, the season begins in the fall with invitational meets, offering students a chance to sharpen their skills before progressing to regional and state contests in the spring. Only two teams per division from across the entire state earn the honor of competing at nationals, following the state tournament held each year at Texas A&M University in College Station.
Founded in 1984, Science Olympiad has become one of the most respected and rigorous STEM competitions in the U.S., designed to ignite curiosity and innovation in middle and high school students.
For the students of Seven Lakes and Beckendorff, this isn’t just about medals or rankings. It’s about proving what’s possible when determination meets opportunity—and when bright young minds are given the space to shine.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
