WILMINGTON – Nearly 800 science enthusiasts from southeastern North Carolina compete for the top title at the Science Olympiad.

Forty-five middle and high schools participated in a variety of other events on Saturday hosted by UNC Wilmington.

Students were busy with activities such as constructing instruments with everyday items and  flying  rubber band powered helicopters.

High school student Caison Mankin said she hoped the musical instrument she constructed entirely out of refrigerant pipes will strike a chord with the Science Olympiad judges.

"They are looking for tone quality and accuracy of the song, and the originality of the instruments," the South Brunswick student said.

State funding was cut for the Science Olympiad this year, but organizers were able to raise enough funds to keep the program alive.

Students said they look forward to the competition each year.

“It's really fun to be here and have the experience with all of this, said Brynn Mackenzie, a South Brunswick High School student. "It's really, competition wise,  really exciting and exhilarating for me."

Top finishers from Saturday's event will qualify to compete in the state tournament in Raleigh next month.