A huge silver trophy prominently displayed on the podium was the first indication the May 27 school board meeting was going to be extraordinary.

During the evening, recognition was given to students of various ages and endeavors, leading to much applause and many comments about the quality of Parkland School District and public education.

The meeting got underway when Principal Jamie Giaquinto introduced four Cetronia students from the Winand family who would lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Autumn (kindergarten), Mary (grade 1), Nancy (grade 2), and Dale (grade 4) charmed the audience with their clear young voices leading the pledge.

Next on the program, the high school powerlifting team coached by Erik Steiner and Paul Hagadus, was introduced.

The group of 22 young men won second place at the state high school powerlifting championships.

The next Parkland students to be recognized were not an athletic team but were commended for their efforts to help the less fortunate.

Organized by Samantha Holender, the students work with the Rotary Club of Allentown West's Operation Snack Pack Program.

Finally it was time to hear about the big silver trophy.

Springhouse Middle School Principal Michelle Minotti reported Dr. Sam Ghosh asked her whether the school could participate in the Science Olympiad.

He offered to coach the team with the assistance of his wife, Zubeda, and parents of student participants.

When the district gave him the go ahead, Dr. Ghosh started working with SMS students in September on the 23 subjects comprising the Olympiad.

This school year, the SMS team won 22 out of the 23 Science Olympiad subjects in the regional competition at Kutztown University.

They advanced to the state competition at Juniata College where they came in second, qualifying them for the national event at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Ghosh reported the SMS students won two out of the 23 subjects in the national competition. Overall, they placed 17th among participants competing from schools throughout the United States.

"We were voted the best new team in the nation," Dr. Ghosh said.

For their breakthrough performance, the SMS team won the DuPont Enterprise Award, signified by the large silver trophy.

The award is presented to the team performing best in its first appearance at the nationals.

For those unfamiliar with the Science Olympiad, Dr Ghosh explained it is a challenging, nationally recognized program.

He said President Barack Obama honored the first place team at the White House.

At the close of the program, the board commended Michael Falco, who served as student representative this year.

Reviewing the variety of talents and skills demonstrated by Parkland students and on display at the meeting, board member Barry Long commented.

"I am proud we are a part of public education," Long said.