Garfield Wins 2nd Place at Statewide Orca Bowl Competition

The Junior Olympics of Marine Science in the Northwest

Seattle, WA – On Saturday, February 1, 2020, 20 teams of high school students from Seattle to Soap Lake gathered at University of Washington (UW) Fishery Sciences Building for the 23rd annual Orca Bowl. The teams were quizzed on their marine science knowledge in four exciting rounds.

The Garfield High School A team, consisting of Aviv Pinker, Alyssa Tou, Ainsley Mayo, and Izzy Wang, secured second place at the event after a long day of questions. Their deep knowledge of marine science, hard work, and enthusiasm carried them through to a victory. 

The event was fun-filled and high energy, with many teams and volunteers in marine-themed costumes, including pirates and sea creatures. The goal of Orca Bowl, however, was more than just a day of fun. The event is meant to promote education and inspire the next generation of marine scientists and ocean stewards. Even as our coastal ecosystems contend with threats including climate change, ocean acidification, habitat degradation, and fishing pressure, the dedication of these students – who regularly spent several hours studying after school to prepare for the event – demonstrates that the next generation has what it takes to fight for the planet.

Orca Bowl was organized by Washington Sea Grant, a program within the UW College of the Environment. Thank you to our local sponsors who made Orca Bowl possible:

Major Local Sponsors:

•       UW Washington Sea Grant
•       National Ocean Sciences Bowl
•       UW Joint Institute for the Society of the Atmosphere and Ocean
•       UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Science
•       Ocean Peace, Inc.

The 2020 national NOSB program is made possible through the following sponsors:

•      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
•      The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
•       Wendy & Eric Schmidt
•       Deerbrook Charitable Trust
•       National Aeronautics and Space Administration
•       Sharon and Wayne Sternberger
•       Shell Exploration & Production Company
•       Lockheed Martin
•       Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
•       National Renewable Energy Laboratory
•       Marine Technology Society

For more information, contact Maile Sullivan at (206) 543-2822 or orcabowl@uw.edu