Fayette’s middle schools had a strong showing at the 2009 Georgia Science Olympiad with J.C. Booth Middle securing its 16th trip to the national competition.

Bennett’s Mill, Fayette, J.C. Booth, Rising Starr and Whitewater Middle schools all secured wins at the regional tournament, allowing them to advance to the state competition on March 28 at Gainesville State College. Each of the schools earned at least first-fourth place medals in a variety of events at the state level, but it was Booth that emerged as the first place winner advancing to the national competition hosted this year by Augusta State University May 15-16.

Booth won the state competition medaling in 19 of 23 events with 79 points. Rising Starr placed third in the state with 159 points.

Booth has won a total of nine first place finishes at the national level. Science teacher Mary Wilde coaches the team. This will be her final year as coach; she will retire from teaching at the end of the school year.