For the first time in school history, the Deering High School Science Olympiad program has captured the first place trophy at the Maine State Science Olympiad Tournament. On April 11, 2026, at the University of Maine Orono, Deering’s student-scientists outperformed sixteen teams from across the state, securing a historic invitation to represent Maine at the National Tournament in Los Angeles this May.

The victory is a landmark achievement for Portland Public Schools, coming just five years after the program’s inception. In addition to the team trophy, science teacher and advisor Cyle Davenport was honored with the Outstanding Coach Award for his role in steering the program to its first state title.

The Deering Purple team surged to a first-place finish, bolstered by an incredible haul of individual medals. The team demonstrated mastery across diverse disciplines, from engineering and robotics to chemistry and environmental science.

A Record-Breaking Medal Count

Deering Purple individual Gold Medalists:

• Bungee Drop: Ellis Retzer & Trieu Chung
• Chemistry Lab: Alma Wallace & Ellis Wood
• Dynamic Planet: Alma Wallace & Wren Donahue
• Electric Vehicle: Trieu Chung & Oscar Allen
• Experimental Design: Alma Wallace, Ellis Retzer & Iylarose Willis
• Helicopters: Ellis Wood & Peter Rank
• Water Quality: Iylarose Willis & Paisley Haskell

The Purple team also secured Silver Medals in Boomilever (Peter Rank, Trieu Chung), Codebusters (Alma Wallace, Roderick Ariza, Bertie Retzer), Machines (Ellis Retzer, Peter Rank), and Robot Tour (Alma Wallace, Iylarose Willis). Bronze medals were earned in Entomology (Kelton Streeter, Colin Cook), Forensics (Ellis Retzer, Paisley Haskell), and Remote Sensing (Ellis Retzer, Peter Rank).

Deering White also made a strong showing, placing 7th overall and securing a Gold Medal in Material Science and a Bronze in Boomilever, both won by the duo of Spencer Fieldroy and James Vincent.

“As the second place team was announced, we knew we placed first and our students sprung to their feet in a moment of pure joy,” said Coach Cyle Davenport. “They have worked tirelessly, and seeing that effort culminate in a state title is an incredible achievement for these students and Deering High School.”

“Winning states and the thought of nationals is a validation of the hard work that everyone’s put in so far. We gave it our all, and we won! And everyone made that happen, so of course that means a lot to everyone here.” - Ellis Retzer, Deering High School Science Olympiad Officer and Senior ‘26

The Trajectory to Nationals: A Call for Community Support

The team is now preparing for the Science Olympiad National Tournament, held at the University of Southern California (USC) on May 23, 2026. This is the first time Deering High School has competed on the national stage, facing the top scientific minds from across the United States.

To make this trip a reality, the team must raise $20,000 to cover airfare, transportation, lodging, food, and science equipment for the 15 students on the Purple Team and their coaches.

Double Your Impact: In a massive show of support, the Foundation for Portland Public Schools has pledged to match every donation dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000. This means every contribution from the community has double the impact.

• $250 funds specialized materials for build events.
• $500 covers the total cost of lodging and food for one student on the USC campus.
• $600 covers the round-trip airfare and ground transportation for one student to Los Angeles.

Join us in sending Maine’s brightest young scientific minds to the national stage. Your support ensures these students can showcase their skills and represent the pride of Portland in Southern California.

How to Support the Team:

• Donate Online: Contributions can be made via our GoFundMe page at: https://gofund.me/bb330cb2d
• Sponsorships: Businesses interested in sponsoring the team’s journey to California or providing equipment are encouraged to contact Mr. Cyle Davenport.

The 2026 Deering Science Olympiad Teams

Deering Purple (State Champions): Alma Wallace, Ellis Retzer, Iylarose Willis, Sophie Li, Ellis Wood, Peter Rank, Trieu Chung, Roderick Ariza, Kelton Streeter, Wren Donahue, Bertie Retzer, Paisley Haskell, Laurel King, Colin Cook, and Oscar Allen.

Deering White: Harper Biel, Spencer Fieldroy, Zachary Robinson, Finn Hutchins, River DePhilipis, James Vincent, Theo Caiazzo, Delaney Goodwin, Violet Baron, Ben Caron, Norka Kalonji, Abdulkadir Munye, and Cassius Colgan.

About Deering High School Science Olympiad: Located in Portland, Maine, Deering High School is a diverse public institution committed to academic excellence. The Science Olympiad program challenges students to apply STEM principles through rigorous lab, testing, and engineering events.

Contact: Cyle Davenport Science Teacher / Advisor davenc@portlandschools.org