Eleven appears to be the magic number for Valparaiso High School when it comes to placing in the national Science Olympiad competition.

For the third time since 1999, the team placed 11th overall in the 24th annual Science Olympiad National Tournament at George Washington University in Washington D.C.

"It is a weird coincidence, but it is really is a great place to get 11 out of 60 teams," team captain Laurel Peterson said.

Valparaiso High School earned five of 23 event medals and one trial event medal for Flying Bird, Peterson said.

Coach James Young said the team has been together for three years.

"We had a great time in Washington and we performed well and I am extremely proud of this group," Young said. "I couldn't ask for more from them, really. "

Valparaiso High School individual medalists were:

First place, Sounds of Music: Jon Gold and Sonia Phadke

First place, Wright Stuff: Ruth Sanders and Rocio Rodea

First place, Chemistry Lab: Kristin Engerer and Gianni Galbiati

Third place, Write It, Do It: Ethan Kruse and Kate Sanders

Fifth place, Boomilever: Ruth Sanders and Pat Skelton

Thomas Jefferson Middle School came in 15th overall, said Rich Bender, coach and placed in two individual categories.

"That's good news (because) we beat the state champions Stanley Clark who came in 21, which was good for us," Bender said. "I am very proud of the kids and the supreme effort that they gave over the seven months to get this far and to strive for the extremely difficult goal of top 10."

Katherine Dalzotto who placed individually, called the competition "pretty cool."

"There were a lot of new teams that did very well and it wasn't like the same teams," said the 15-year-old freshman. "We actually didn't know who was going to win. It was a toss up and we were shocked when we received the medal."

Thomas Jefferson Middle School students who placed individually were:

Fifth place, Science Crime Busters: Jessie Bunchek and Hayley Williams

Sixth place, Balloon Launch Glider: Bennett Sanders and Dalzotto