In a day and time when news about schools seems to be mostly negative, such as Beaufort County Schools being among the state’s school systems with the highest rate of crime during the 2010-2011 school year, it’s encouraging and refreshing to learn that some Beaufort County students are focusing on learning instead of larceny and “doing” science instead of doing drugs.

Again, Washington High School’s Science Olympiad team will compete for the state Science Olympiad title in April. For the 17th-consecutive year, the 17-member team will attempt to bring the gold medal to Beaufort County. Four times, WHS Science Olympiad teams have qualified for the national Science Olympiad competition, the last time being five years ago.

It’s better to have students facing other students in such competitions than in court facing a judge.

Expect the WHS team to win the state title in April. A national title would be even better.

Go for it!