Southern Miss Marine Education Center Hosts Annual High School Hurricane Bowl Competition
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 10:14am | By: Gabriela Shinskie
The Southern Miss Marine Education Center (MEC) hosted 55 high school students across Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida for the annual Central Gulf Coast Regional Hurricane Bowl earlier this month, paving the way for future researchers and explorers. The winners will compete in the National Ocean Science Bowl’s virtual finals in May.
Since 1998, the competition’s goal has been to spark interest in STEM-related careers, ocean, environmental and earth science. Samantha Capers, MEC associate director of Informal Education, said the competition displayed some of the brightest young minds in science ready to make an impact.
“Hosting the competition at the MEC provides us with a unique opportunity to highlight the groundbreaking research and academic excellence happening at The University of Southern Mississippi. We can’t wait to see how this event continues to grow and inspire future ocean scientists,” said Capers.
There were 11 teams in attendance this year. Each team was given critical thinking, buzzer-style and multiple-choice questions related to marine policy, chemistry, geography, technology and geology. The winners of the competition included:
- First Place
Navarre Beach High School Team A
- Second Place
Navarre Beach Science Station Team A
- Third Place
Northshore High School Team A
- Sportsmanship Award
Navarre Beach Science Station Team B
Lacy Lindsey, MEC Marine Education project specialist, said she sees the value of the Hurricane Bowl participation for high school students and believes it provides them with opportunities for future science careers.
"What I love most is seeing the students' enthusiasm and teamwork—it’s inspiring to watch them showcase their knowledge and passion for ocean sciences. Hopefully, this experience encourages them to pursue careers in marine science, environmental policy or other STEM fields. For many participants and winners, the competition could be the first step toward exciting opportunities in their future,” said Lindsey.
The MEC’s Hurricane Bowl is one of 24 regional bowls across the nation contending for the right to compete in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. Click here to learn more about the MEC and its involvement in the Hurricane Bowl.