Carl Minton

Carl Minton became involved with Science Olympiad in 2018 when his son participated on his elementary school’s Division B team. What began with mentoring Mystery Architecture grew into serving as a head coach, continuing as an event mentor, volunteering at tournaments, writing tests, building VASO test equipment for events, and serving as Treasurer of the Board. The Minton family are also the creators and funders of the VASO Outreach Initiative.

Carl, and his wife, Amy, thoroughly enjoyed their experience mentoring SO student competitors. Their enthusiasm for learning and inquiry is contagious. After mentoring Codebusters, Amy joined the American Cryptogram Association (ACA). Writing online Road Scholar tests during the pandemic helped Carl acquire competency with GIS software that helped him with a few projects around the house and at work. The Mintons feel strongly that youth involvement in organizations like Science Olympiad is a springboard to a culture of lifetime learning.

In 2024, Mr. Minton retired from his job as a software engineer at Arion Systems, Inc. in Chantilly, VA. The Mintons -- Carl, his wife, and their golden retriever -- split their time between McLean and Afton, Virginia.

Mr. Minton earned a B.S. and M.S in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech, and an M.S. in Statistical Science from George Mason University. He is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from George Mason.