High school students shine at UTRGV’s Regional Science Bowl

Corpus Christi Ray High School advances for second time to national competition in Washington, D.C.

By Alvaro Ayala

In a thrilling game-show style tournament, more than 100 students from 18 high schools tested their math and science knowledge at the annual Regional Science Bowl held at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

W.B. Ray High School from Corpus Christi claimed victory, being crowned the 2025 winners. Their achievement earned them an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Science Bowl in April.

South Texas ISD Science Academy finished in second place while Edinburg North High School took third. The event took place Saturday, Feb. 8, at the UTRGV campus in Edinburg.

This marks W.B. Ray High School’s second victory at the Regional Science Bowl, having previously won in 2023. In a rematch against South Texas ISD Science Academy, they secured their win with a final score of 98-30. 

“All of our hard work has really paid off,” said Vera Hsiang, a senior and team captain. 

Seth Alfaro, also a senior, expressed his excitement as the buzzer sounded, letting out a celebratory “yes!” while hugging and high fiving his teammates.

“Last year, we were eliminated in the first or second round and winning today just proves how much hard work matters. We put in all the effort we needed,” Alfaro said. “It was so worth it.”

For many participants, this competition marked their first experience stepping foot on a college campus, inspiring dreams of future academic pursuits. 

Omar Elizondo, co-director of the Regional Science Bowl and a UTRGV alumnus, emphasized the importance of competitions in motivating students’ learning and fostering connections with faculty. He noted that these events can serve as recruiting tools, inspiring students to consider UTRGV.

“We want these students to realize that UTRGV is a great resource for learning, making connections, broadening their horizons, and hopefully earning their degrees here someday,” Elizondo said.

ABOUT THE REGIONAL SCIENCE BOWL

The Regional Science Bowl serves as a qualifier for the National Science Bowl, a competition for high school and middle school students that uses a quiz bowl format. Contestants compete in quiz-style matchups, answering prompts using a buzzer system like those seen on popular television game shows. Students are tested on various subjects, including earth science, biology, physics, and mathematics, making it an engaging way to exercise their knowledge. The competition has been organized and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy since its inception in 1991.