On Friday, April 10, the School District of Lancaster brought together some of its most mathematically talented students for the Math 24 Competition. What unfolded was a reflection of how students engage with math when challenged to think critically, act quickly, and trust their reasoning.
There were moments when it wasn’t certain the event would take place. Yet through the dedication of staff, school leaders, and district teams, the competition moved forward. That effort mattered, because opportunities like this don’t just showcase achievement. They create it.
Math 24 is designed to push students beyond memorization. Using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, competitors work to reach the number 24 as quickly as possible. The format is fast-paced and demanding, requiring strong number sense, pattern recognition, and the ability to think under pressure. For students who thrive on challenge, it becomes a space to test their thinking in real time.
This year, 12 schools participated, including four middle schools and eight elementary schools. Students in grades 4 through 8 advanced through building-level competitions to represent their schools at the district level. What brought them together wasn’t just skill, but a shared willingness to take on something difficult.
Christina Ortega, Supervisor of Elementary Math and Science, emphasized what students gain from the experience beyond competition.
“This is a chance for students to see others who think at the same level or even push them further,” Ortega said. “It gives them an opportunity to connect, to support each other, and to represent their schools and their district.”
The results reflect both individual achievement and the depth of talent across the district.
Middle School Winners
- 1st Place: Rune Hanson – Wheatland MS
- 2nd Place: Nico Rodriguez Barbosa – Lincoln MS
- 3rd Place: Milo Carr – Wheatland MS
- 4th Place: Bilive Sifa – Reynolds MS
Elementary School Finalists
- 1st Place: Julian Rodriguez – Lafayette ES
- 2nd Place: Annelise Cruz – Lafayette ES
- 3rd Place: Henry Linde – Burrowes ES
- 4th Place: Adrian Khanal – Ross ES
Each of these students demonstrated not only accuracy, but composure and confidence in a high-pressure environment.
For the School District of Lancaster, the Math 24 Competition reflect a broader commitment to academic excellence. Through engaging, interactive experiences, students are given opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful ways, strengthening both understanding and confidence in math.
But just as important as the results is what happens in the process. Students learn to take risks. They learn to recover quickly from mistakes. They learn that growth comes from challenge, not avoidance.
The competition also creates a sense of community. Students cheer for one another. They represent their schools with pride. They begin to see themselves not just as learners, but as capable problem-solvers. The journey doesn’t end at the district level. Winners will advance to the IU13 competition, where they’ll compete alongside students from across Lancaster County on May 12 for elementary students and May 13 for middle school students.
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