Left to right, clockwise: Rachel Creager, Amparo Atencio, Laura Hammons, and Jeff Underwood
The Tennessee Science Bowl is a fast-paced academic competition, sponsored each year by ORAU, that offers teams of high school students from across the state of Tennessee a chance to show off their wits in math and science. The winning team advances to the National Science Bowl in Washington D.C. But more than competition and bragging rights, this event inspires and encourages these students to embrace their STEM talents and push themselves toward greatness in their academics and future careers.
To get a full picture of what volunteering entails, we spoke with some ORAU employees who have experience volunteering for the event: Amparo Atencio, Rachel Creager, Laura Hammons, and Jeff Underwood.
Question: What roles have you held in volunteering for the Tennessee Science Bowl?
Atencio: I have served as a timekeeper for most of the years that I have volunteered. Last year, I was co-chair for the volunteer refreshments committee.
Creager: I have volunteered as both a scorekeeper and a moderator for the event.
Hammons: My official role was a scorekeeper for the initial rounds of the Science Bowl. I have also pitched in when needed for set-up and even got a trivia quiz put back into Menti.
Underwood: I started out many years ago working crowd control, but in recent years, I have worked the team registration on Friday afternoon.
Question: What is your favorite thing about volunteering at the Tennessee Science Bowl?
Atencio: My favorite part of volunteering is that I get to be in the room, observing the bright minds of the students in high-speed and intense action.
Creager: My favorite thing is getting to watch these smart young people demonstrate how much they know. I am always in amazement of how quickly and correctly these kids can answer the Science Bowl questions.
Hammons: It absolutely gives you hope for the future. Watching young people challenge themselves at such a high level and succeed is just amazing. Then, there are the adults who help coach and train them as well as the volunteers for the event itself. It is always good to remember that there are people who care and give back.
Underwood: I enjoy meeting the coaches for all the teams and working with a great group of volunteers. After several years, you start to see the same faces every year and can remember which schools they represent.
Question: Why would you recommend volunteering for the Tennessee Science Bowl?
Atencio: I would recommend volunteering because it’s a fun way to spend a half or full day. You’ll know you are part of something great and that you’re making a difference! Plus, you get to see the promise of America’s future!
Creager: I would recommend volunteering because it is a truly fun and easy way to support the community. It is always great to get to spend time with excited, young people who are there to show off their skills.
Hammons: It is a simple and very organized way to give back. Sometimes, when you volunteer, things are not always very organized, and you don’t feel like your time is valued or even helpful. With the Science Bowl, that is not the case. The organization is amazing. Plus, there is always the intrinsic value of watching these amazing young people show what they can do!
Underwood: It is a great opportunity to give back. It makes you feel good to be a part of something special. The staff who run the Science Bowl are great and are always happy to answer any questions. It really is a lot of fun.
Question: What mission does Tennessee Science Bowl support that is important to you?
Atencio: The Science Bowl inspires the next generation, and it is important to lift up young people because the future depends on them.
Creager: I care about the mission of advancing scientific knowledge, using gamification to increase engagement and interest, which is what the Science Bowl is all about.
Hammons: As the mother of two kids now in college, I am all about experiences for them (and all kids) that boost soft and hard skills, promote things they are interested in, and allow them to challenge themselves in what are really low-risk, supportive environments. The promotion of STEM is great, but it is more about giving these high-achieving young people a way to sort out what they really want to do going forward and maybe even give them some new skills in the process.
Underwood: I enjoy helping to develop the next generation of scientists. They are our future.
The 2025 Tennessee Science Bowl is set to take place February 21-22 at Pellissippi State Community College, Blount County Campus.