Students from two local middle schools turned in strong performances at the regional Science Olympiad at UNC-Greensboro recently.

Smith Middle School's team captured first place in the competition. Regina Baratta, a math and science teacher, coaches the squad.

Woods Charter School, in Chapel Hill, finished third in the regional finals. Tiersa Tavana, a parent, is the Woods Charter School coach and is a Woods parent.

High school students from Woods Charter School competed for the first time at the high school level this year. They placed third in three events and fourth in another.

The Smith and Woods middle school teams advance to compete in the State Science Olympiad tournament, to be held at N.C. State University in April. The top two middle and high school teams at the state tournament will go on to the 2008 national tournament.