When curiosity meets opportunity, remarkable things can happen. This year, Plato Collegiate Academy of Tampa began an exciting new journey, joining the ranks of schools worldwide competing in the International Academic Competitions (IAC)-a global organization founded in 2017 in Burlington, Vermont, and now operating in over 25 countries. What began as a fun way to spark student interest in science has quickly evolved into a story of teamwork, dedication, and academic achievement.
A New Chapter: Introducing IAC to Plato
The International Academic Competitions offer students a chance to showcase their knowledge in subjects ranging from science and history to geography, through quiz-style tournaments at regional, national, and even international levels. For Plato Collegiate Academy of Tampa, this was the first year participating, and the excitement was evident from day one.
The journey started in the fall with an online regional qualifying exam. Those who passed were invited to join Plato’s inaugural Science Bee team, setting the stage for months of preparation and friendly competition.
Meet the Trailblazers: Plato’s Science Bee Team
Up to 10 students per division can advance to Nationals, representing the top 30% of participants. Five students have been the heart of Plato’s IAC adventure this year:
- Joseph Diamantopoulos (8th grade)
- Aarish Basu (8th grade)
- Hudson Pichardo (7th grade)
- Una Morris (6th grade)
- Gabriel Throop (6th grade)
Each of these students has demonstrated not only academic prowess but also resilience and teamwork. Their commitment has paid off-all five have qualified for the IAC National Competition.
How the Competition Works
The IAC Science Bee is more than just a test of memorization. Regional competitions feature three rounds of 30 paragraph-style questions, where students buzz in to answer. Each correct answer earns a point, and the goal is to be the first to reach five points in a round, with bonus points awarded for speed. After three rounds, the top ten students per grade division are invited to Nationals, and the very best can advance to the International stage.
Here’s an example of the kind of question competitors face:
“This molecule is rapidly copied in the lab technique PCR, and the enzyme helicase splits this molecule before it is replicated by a polymerase. This molecule contains adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. For the point, name this double-helix structure that contains genetic information.”
ANSWER: DNA (accept Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
The Road to Nationals
Preparation has been key. The team met weekly, practicing with paragraph-style question sets and using a buzzer system to simulate real competition conditions. Each student’s path to Nationals was unique:
- Joseph, Hudson, and Gabriel qualified in their very first regional.
- Aarish clinched his spot in the second round.
- Una persevered and secured her place in her third and final chance.
This persistence and adaptability are as impressive as their academic skills.
What’s Next: Nationals and Beyond
The National Competition is a three-day event: two days of preliminary rounds (four rounds total), followed by semifinals and finals for the top performers. The stakes are high, but so is the excitement. Notably, Joseph has also qualified for the International Competition, representing Plato on a truly global stage later this year.
Celebrating Curiosity and Teamwork
Plato’s first year in the IAC shows what can happen when students are given the chance to challenge themselves and support each other. Whether it’s buzzing in with the right answer or encouraging a teammate, the Science Bee team shows that learning can be both rigorous and fun.
We are incredibly proud of Joseph, Aarish, Hudson, Una, and Gabriel. Their achievements reflect not just individual talent, but the spirit of curiosity and community that defines Plato Collegiate Academy of Tampa.
A key factor in the success of Plato Collegiate Academy’s Science Bee team this year has been the dedicated guidance and preparation provided by Mrs. Kelly Zervas, the Middle and High School Science teacher at Plato. Her expertise and commitment to nurturing student curiosity and mastery of scientific concepts have been instrumental in readying the team for the rigorous challenges of the International Academic Competitions. Through her weekly coaching sessions and support, the students developed the confidence and skills needed to excel in both regional and national rounds, making this inaugural year a truly memorable one for Plato.
