Ceremonies & Prizes

The Opening and Awards & Closing Ceremonies will be livestreamed on Science Olympiad's YouTube channel for those who are unable to attend in person.

Ceremonies will be held at the Galen Center, which has a strict clear bag policy. Teams should take heed of this policy and plan in advance to avoid being turned away.

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony is a celebration of Science Olympiad and the accomplishments of the teams that have qualified for the National Tournament. It begins with the Parade of States and includes remarks and welcomes from notable individuals. The ceremony concludes with participation from students, coaches, parents, and supervisors who each read their respective pledges aloud. A special guest will be announced soon!

Dress Code: Casual—feel free to wear what you traveled in or your attire for the STEM Expo.

Parade of States

There are many things that make the National Tournament a memorable experience, one of which is being able to compete against students from across the country. During the Opening Ceremony of the National Tournament, the annual Parade of States showcases and celebrates the teams in attendance and provides a space for them to show their state pride!

Teams are encouraged to select up to four individuals (maximum) for the Parade of States. You are encouraged to bring a school banner/flag and a state flag for the parade (these are encouraged, not required). Many schools dress up for the parade as something that represents their school/region/state; this is encouraged, not required.

Please note: No items may be thrown into the audience. No inflatables are permitted.

Swap Meet

As you plan your swaps, please remember the following rules: do not sell items at the Swap Meet; do not bring inflatables or balloons as swaps or into either ceremony; do not bring food items; stay within the designated area; make sure your area looks the same when you leave as it did when you arrived; and most importantly—have fun!

Awards & Closing Ceremony

The Awards & Closing Ceremony celebrates the achievements of students and teams over the course of the National Tournament, highlighting their hard work, spirit, and teamwork. It includes the presentation of awards and recognition of outstanding accomplishments, including event, team, and special awards. The ceremony concludes with a look ahead to the next National Tournament, inspiring students to bring their energy, creativity, and teamwork to the season ahead.

Dress Code: The attire is a step up from the casual dress code of the Opening Ceremony. While not mandatory, most teams opt for business or formal wear. Suits and dresses are appropriate but not required. Students will not be allowed on stage with stuffed animals, signs, sunglasses, or hats.

2026 Science Olympiad Awards and Prizes – Science Olympiad is grateful to our sponsors and partners, who support the achievement of our Science Olympiad competitors by awarding fantastic prizes, cash scholarships and awards.

2026 Spirit Awards – The Science Olympiad Spirit Awards are among the highest honors given to teams and recognize students and coaches that have a positive attitude, exemplify teamwork, have respect for the rules and their fellow competitors, and exhibit sportsmanlike conduct. One (1) Division B team and one (1) Division C team attending the 2026 National Tournament each will be presented with $2,000 checks to be used toward furthering the school's Science Olympiad program. Teams will be chosen by their work exhibiting the 3C's of Science Olympiad during the academic year (Character and Citizenship in the Community) plus their on-site sportsmanship during the tournament. Winners announced live during the Awards Ceremony! Sponsored by the Science Olympiad USA Foundation with support from the Million Dollar Roundtable Foundation.