Team JOCE, the local Johnston County Homeschool Science Olympiad team, has worked tirelessly to achieve success and their hard work has finally paid off. The team placed third overall at the ECU regional competition on February 17th, earning them a spot to compete against 39 other top high school teams from across the state at NC State University.
Comprised of 15 locally homeschooled students, many of whom are experienced competitors, Team JOCE aims to demonstrate that it is possible to have fun, learn science, and glorify Jesus all at the same time. Head coach Martha Walker mentions that the team’s goal has never been to solely focus on studying science, but rather to make learning enjoyable and build friendships. What started as a way to meet new people has evolved into a platform for living out their faith while striving to perform their best with the knowledge acquired each year.
Assistant coach Amanda Ashworth expresses how rewarding it has been to watch the students grow and form friendships within the team. Although they will be bidding farewell to several graduating students, they eagerly anticipate welcoming new high schoolers to join their close-knit group.
Having faced numerous online competitions due to the pandemic, this will be the first time in seven years that Team JOCE has secured an in-person bid to the state competition. The team is thrilled at the opportunity to participate in every aspect of the competition at NC State and are seeking prayers for their success.
Those interested in seeing Team JOCE in action can attend the event at NC State on April 13th, from 8:00am to 4:00pm, with awards scheduled for 6:00pm.
