James Clemens Science Bowl Team claims championship
MADISON – For the second, consecutive year, the Science Bowl Team at James Clemens High School has claimed the championship at regional Science Bowl competition.
By winning the regional contest, James Clemens will advance to the National Science Bowl in Washington D.C. “The accomplishment reflects the continued strength of Madison City Schools’ STEM programs and the dedication of its students, staff and community partners,” spokesperson Suresh Avula said. Avula is an alumnus of the James Clemens team.
“Throughout the regional competition, which featured nine teams competing across eight intense rounds, James Clemens’ team showcased exceptional mastery in astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, math and earth science,” Avula said. “Their balanced strengths and depth of preparation allowed them to excel at every stage of the tournament.”
In the semifinals, James Clemens defeated Hoover High School in a fast-paced, high-pressure match. Then, the Jets defeated Alabama School of Fine Arts in the finals. James Clemens’ victories secured their second-straight regional championship.
After 2025 regionals and valuable experience at National Science Bowl Finals, Captain Praneel Avula said the team’s determination grew, improved and pushed its limits to only became stronger for 2026.
“Now, after earning another hard-fought regional championship, I couldn’t be prouder of the dedication, teamwork and resilience every member of this team has shown,” Praneel Avula said. “With our momentum and the countless hours we’ve invested together, we’re focused on one goal: performing even better than last year at nationals.”
Praneel Avula also thanked team coach Ashley Horne, “whose guidance, patience and constant encouragement have been a major part of the team’s success. Her support keeps us grounded, focused and motivated — and we couldn’t have done this without her,” Avula said. Horne teaches chemistry I and II, along with pre-advanced-placement chemistry. She coaches Science Bowl, Science Olympiad and Rocketry.
Horne said she is “incredibly proud of our students for winning their regional Science Bowl competition. Their achievement reflects months of hard work, dedication and a genuine passion for learning. They consistently challenged themselves to grow not only intellectually but also as teammates.”
“What stands out most is that their success is not defined only by their knowledge, but by the respect, humility and outstanding sportsmanship they showed throughout the competition. I could not be prouder of this remarkable group of students,” Horne said.
Praneel Avula, a junior, is strong in physics and astronomy and is headed to his third nationals. Sophomore Heidi Leonard is a biology expert. Joel Yang, an earth science specialist, is a sophomore. Junior Saqib Baig holds expertise in chemistry. Biology is the forte for sophomore Harstha Chander.
These students also participate in the Science Olympiad team that won the state championship in February and will compete at the 2026 National Science Olympiad Tournament in California in May.
In additional accomplishments, Praneel Avula qualified for National Astronomy Olympiad Semifinals; Heidi Leonard, qualified for USA Biology Olympiad Semifinals; and Heidi Leonard, Harstha Chander and Saqib Baig advanced to HOSA International Leadership Conference in June 2026.
Praneel Avula, Leonard, Chander and Yang are founding members of ScienceBuzz Club (sites.google. com/view/jchssciencebuzz/home), which provides direct STEM lessons to MCS elementary students.
“With consecutive Science Bowl titles, multiple national qualifications and leadership in community STEM outreach, James Clemens Science Bowl Team continues to set an impressive example of academic excellence,” Suresh Avula said.
