Triumphing in Science: Johnston County Homeschool Team’s Winning Spirit Shines Through

The local Johnston County Homeschool Science Olympiad team, known as Team JOCE, has achieved tremendous success after years of hard work. On February 17th, the team placed third overall at the ECU regional competition, securing a spot to compete against 39 other top high school teams from across the state at NC State University.

Team JOCE is comprised of 15 locally homeschooled students, many of whom are experienced competitors. Head coach Martha Walker emphasizes that the team’s goal is not solely to focus on studying science but to make learning enjoyable and build friendships. The team’s motto is “Fun, Science, and Faith,” reflecting their commitment to glorifying Jesus while pursuing their passions for science and sportsmanship.

Assistant coach Amanda Ashworth is proud of the students’ growth and development throughout the season and looks forward to welcoming new high schoolers into the team’s close-knit group. Although several graduating students will be leaving, she believes that the team’s spirit and camaraderie will continue to thrive in future seasons.

This year marks a significant milestone for Team JOCE since it has been seven years since they have secured an in-person bid to the state competition due to online competitions caused by the pandemic. The team is excited about participating in every aspect of the competition at NC State University and seeking prayers for their success.

Those interested in seeing Team JOCE in action can attend the event at NC State on April 13th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with awards scheduled for 6:00 pm.