PADUCAH, Ky. (WSIL) — Calloway County Middle School Team #1 is heading to the national stage after winning this year’s West Kentucky Regional Science Bowl, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The competition was held in Paducah, Kentucky, where the five-member team earned first place and secured a spot in the DOE National Science Bowl finals.
The team will now travel to Washington, D.C. to compete in the national competition from April 30 through May 4, 2026.
Officials with the Portsmouth Paducah Project Office say Calloway County Middle School Team #1 will join McCracken County High School in representing the region at the prestigious STEM event.
“The DOE West Kentucky Regional Science Bowl continues to highlight the remarkable abilities of our region’s students and the commitment of volunteers and coaches,” said Interim Acting Deputy Manager and Paducah Site Lead April Lad.
The regional tournament is a fast-paced, question-and-answer competition that tests students’ knowledge in biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, energy, mathematics, and physics.
Lone Oak Middle School Team #1 finished second, while Henderson County North Middle School placed third in the regional event.
Calloway County Middle School Team #1 Coach Scott Pile praised his students’ dedication and hard work.
“I am so proud of our young women and men today on their accomplishment,” Pile said. “They have worked so hard all year long.”
Several other schools from Kentucky and Illinois also competed, including teams from Ballard, Christian, Hopkinsville, Murray, Graves, Paducah, Heath, Reidland, St. Mary, Cairo, and Massac County.
For more information on the National Science Bowl, visit energy.gov.