Science Olympiad teams from Austin High School and Ellis Middle school will advance to the state competition next month.

For the first time in its four-year history, the AHS Olympiad team qualified for state at the regional challenge held at the University of Minnesota in Rochester this month.

Teams at Ellis will advance to state as well after taking third and fifth place at the regional competition.

The high school team competed in building events, such as construction of an elevated weight-bearing bridge and other challenges that tested knowledge of chemistry, ecology and teamwork skills.

Ellis students began preparing for their competition as early as November. Events ranged in format from hands-on building to lab skills to content knowledge. The overall focus of the science and engineering events was research and problem-solving skills.

High school Olympiad members are: Bleys Ranisate, Ian Bissinger, Samir Masood, Martha McDermott, Hannah Lumley, Jacob Crosby, Calvin Munger, Viviana Gallegos, Tanya Weckwerth, Sydney Ogilve and Michael Hanson.

Ellis Olympiad members are: Brooke Pedersen, Noah Leuer, Jessica Pedersen, Carter Steichen, Zach Huntley, Nick Baier, Matt Tylutki, Joe Grabau, Rachel Wahlert, Qatar Peters, Alex Smith, Natalie Sayles, Caleb Asay, Zach Swigerd, Ethan Johnson, Tristan Lund, Andrew Baker, Matt Neumann, Kolton Kreuer, Sean Baker, Colin Hasley, Cole Navoa, Jacob Schlichter, Erik Anderson, Tyler Amick, Will Bjorndal and Sawyer Myers.

The Ellis Science Olympiad team is sponsored by Steve’s Pizza and the Ellis Middle School PTC.

The Austin High School and the Ellis Middle School Science Olympiad teams compete at the state level on Saturday, March 13 at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minn.