David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor posted: " In a striking showcase of mathematical prowess, over 150 middle school students from 18 schools congregated at Calvert High School in Prince Frederick, Southern Maryland, on February 3, 2024, to participate in the annual MATHCOUNTS competition. This year" The Southern Maryland Chronicle
In a striking showcase of mathematical prowess, over 150 middle school students from 18 schools congregated at Calvert High School in Prince Frederick, Southern Maryland, on February 3, 2024, to participate in the annual MATHCOUNTS competition. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the event, underscoring the long-standing tradition of fostering mathematical skills among young learners.
MATHCOUNTS, a pivotal event in the academic calendar, aims to enhance student interest in mathematics through engaging and challenging competitions. It is a foundational step for students to excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The competition is part of a broader initiative that sees over 500 regional contests nationwide, culminating in state-level competitions and a national showdown.
Individual competition. Paul Blachek from Piccowaxen Middle School placed first in the individual round and Kathryn Torgesen from Chesapeake Public Charter School placed second: From left are coach Jennifer Rowland, co-coach Deborah Simmons, Blachek, Torgesen, and coach Taren Long.
Countdown finalists. From left, Mason Hall from Leonardtown Middle School placed first in the countdown round and Zach Greer from Father Andrew White School placed second.
Fifth place team: Father Andrew White School, St. Mary's County. From left, Zach Greer, Helen Geary, coach Carrianne Downey, Anna Tritschler, and Finley Downey.
Fourth place team: Margaret Brent Middle School, St. Mary's County. From left, Raymond Mallett, Jason Moore, coach Richard Guthrie, Meggie Winship, and Scarlett de Leon.
Third place team: Leonardtown Middle School, St. Mary's County. From left, Mason Hall, Addison Owen, coach Christy Orthner, Elliot Orthner, and Kamilla Moore.
Second place team: Piccowaxen Middle School, Charles County. From left, coach Jennifer Rowland, Paul Blachek, Kai Scott, Marcellus White, Drake Scott, and co-coach Deborah Simmons.
First place team: Northern Middle School, Calvert County. From left, Jacob Byun, Julio Castillo, coach Kathy Dempster, Zac Gingue, and Reed Noltemeyer.
Statistics from the MATHCOUNTS website highlight the significant impact of the program, with three-quarters of its alumni pursuing STEM fields in college—a rate nearly triple the national average. Additionally, 95% of teachers affirm that the program effectively bolsters students' problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities.
The competition in Southern Maryland unfolded over several rounds, testing the students' abilities through individual and team challenges. The event commenced with the sprint round, followed by the target round, where students tackled math problems under time constraints. The individual competition's top honors went to Paul Blachek of Piccowaxen Middle School, Charles County, with Kathryn Torgesen of Chesapeake Public Charter School, St. Mary's County, finishing a close second.
The competition's intensity peaked during the countdown round, a fast-paced, single-elimination tournament that saw Mason Hall of Leonardtown Middle School, St. Mary's County, clinch first place, followed by Zach Greer of Father Andrew White School in the same county. The team round brought students together to work collaboratively on complex problems, with Northern Middle School, Calvert County, taking first place, thanks to the efforts of students Jacob Byun, Julio Castillo, Zac Gingue, and Reed Noltemeyer, under the guidance of coach Kathy Dempster.
This year's MATHCOUNTS competition was supported by SMECO and the public schools of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties, with SMECO volunteers assisting in test scoring. The winners of the Southern Maryland chapter now advance to the statewide competition at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, with sights set on the national competition in Washington, D.C., in May, where the top four individuals from each state will compete, all expenses paid.
MATHCOUNTS continues to play a crucial role in promoting STEM education, preparing students for a competitive technological world through the fun and challenge of mathematics. As the program moves into its next decade, it remains a beacon of opportunity for young mathematicians to explore their potential and contribute to the future of STEM innovation.
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