In a flurry of numbers, calculations, and triumphant smiles, students throughout the School District of Lancaster gathered for the highly anticipated Math 24 Challenge Competition. This event, hosted annually by the district at McCaskey High School, not only showcases mathematical prowess but also fosters a love for numbers and problem-solving among the students.
40 students competed throughout the day broken into two groups: middle school in the morning and elementary school in the afternoon.
Winners are:
Elementary
- First place – Amauri Martinez, Lafayette ES
- Second place – Redemptus Igiraneza, Hamilton ES
- Third place – Jalina Wilson, Fulton ES
- Fourth place – Anshuman Tamang, Lafayette ES
Middle School
- First place – Bryan Rodriguez De La Cruz, Reynolds MS
- Second place – Marcos Blanco, Reynolds MS
- Third place – Kelly Djadjou, Reynolds MS
- Fourth place – Van Der Veer Reiner, Reynolds MS
Among the competitors stood Brian Rodriguez La Cruz, an eighth-grader from Reynolds Middle School, whose enthusiasm for math shone brightly. With excitement, Brian shared his love for the fast-paced nature of the competition. “I’ve always liked math, and it’s more fast-paced, which is more fun for me,” Brian explained. “I like competition, so it’s just my thing.”
Echoing Brian’s sentiments was Marcos, another eighth-grade student from Reynolds Middle School, who found joy in the challenge of Math 24. “I like the math. It’s pretty cool. I just enjoy math a lot,” Marcos expressed, already considering a future career in the field.
Behind the scenes, educators like Ross Young, a seventh-grade math teacher at Jackson Middle School, work tirelessly to support students’ mathematical journeys. As one of the proctors for the Math 24 Club, Ross emphasized the importance of providing students with opportunities to develop their mathematical fluency and problem-solving skills. “It’s great to see that students outside of the classroom really competing against not just their own, but also seeing how they’re learning and developing,” Ross remarked, reflecting on the growth and camaraderie fostered through the competition.
Jennifer Cleary, Assistant Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (STEM), echoed the sentiment, highlighting the significance of the Math 24 Challenge in empowering students to believe in themselves as mathematicians. “Math 24 is important because it gives our students the opportunity to be successful with mathematics,” Jennifer emphasized. The competition not only challenges students to think critically but also instills confidence in their ability to tackle mathematical problems with skill and precision.
Looking ahead, the top eight participants from the district-level competition, in each school level including Brian and Marcos, are set to compete in the county-wide competition at the IU13. This next stage of the competition promises to be another exciting opportunity for students to showcase their mathematical talents and represent School District of Lancaster on a broader stage at the Lancaster Lebanon IU13 in May.
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