Wa-Hi Latina students to compete in regional Science Bowl

Wa-Hi Latina students to compete in regional Science Bowl

Nine Walla Walla High School Latina students will participate in the Department of Energy’s Regional Science Bowl February 3 at the University of Portland. Marina Marin, Stella Miranda , Kelsey Trejo, Irene Ureno, Claudia Vargas, Thalia Bocanegra, Jessica Lozano, Jennifer Lopez, and Chantell Lopez are competing in the Bonneville Power Administration sponsored event.

The students will participate in the science bowl competition as well as visit the Oregon Museum of Industry and Science before they return to Walla Walla. In preparation for the event, the students have been practicing the past two months on Sunday afternoons at College Place Presbyterian Church which sponsors Explorer Post 311 for Latino Outreach. The church is providing the funds to pay for travel, food, and museum entrance, according to district bilingual coordinator Diana Erickson.

“This is an all girl team which is quite unusual in a math and science competition as well as being totally Latina,” Erickson said. “The girls and their families are quite excited about the competition.” Diana’s husband Bill, a Bonneville employee, has also been working with the students and their families in preparation for the event and will accompany them on the trip.