June 12, 2002, Quartz Hill, CA - The Joe Walker Science Olympiad team held an appreciation luncheon at Joe Walker Middle School on Wednesday, June 12. The luncheon was a way for the team to express appreciation of those who helped them attend the National Science Olympiads, held earlier this year in Delaware. Representatives from Flewelling & Moody, Northrop Grumman, General Electric, and other supporting companies as well as community volunteers attended the luncheon. One highlight of the afternoon's events was a demonstration of the teams award-winning rocket and airplane launches. Flewelling & Moody donated $5,000 towards sending the 17 students from Joe Walker Middle School to the National Science Olympiads, January 24-28. The competition, which took place Saturday, January 26, was held at the University of Delaware. On Sunday the Joe Walker team was able to take a day-trip to Washington D.C. to visit the Smithsonian Museum and the White House. Joe Walker was one of only three California Schools that were invited to attend the Olympiads. The other California schools were located in Carmel and San Diego. They competed against approximately 50 other middle schools in 23 events, including "Bridge Building," "Battery Buggy," and "Crime Buster." The students from Joe Walker placed nationally in four events and twelfth overall. Taking home fourth place in bottle rockets, third in "The Wright Stuff" (airplanes built with rubber band propellers), third in "Reach for the Stars" (astronomy event), and sixth place in "Feathered Frenzy" (identifying birds). Each event involved a team of two students. The group had been preparing for the Olympiads since October 2001, coached by a staff of teachers and volunteers on weekends, after school and on holidays.