Over 80 talented high school mathletes gathered at the District Administration Center on Thursday, March 26 for a thrilling day of mathematical challenges. In the morning sessions, students tackled a series of individual math problems which contributed to both their individual and team scores. Sponsors such as Casio made this event possible.
First, second and third place winners per grade level are as follows:
Seniors First, Theo Benavidez, Ironwood High School Second, Logan Guildfom, Sunrise Mountain High School Third, Jackson McLean, Liberty High School
| Juniors First, Benjamin Tran, Ironwood High School Second, Ethan Ignacis, Ironwood High School Third, Marc Brian Matoba, Liberty High School
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Sophomores First, Eldad Solomon, Ironwood High School Second, Anthony Fernau, Ironwood High School Third, Scott Sinek, Liberty High School | Freshmen First, Cody McDowell, Liberty High School Second, Owen Grayson, Liberty High School Third, Riki Gross, Centennial High School |
Theo Benavidez clinched the overall high score of the day. This is his second time placing at Math Madness; last year, he earned first in his age group along with his classmate Eldad Solomon, who took first place in his age group this year as well.
In the afternoon sessions, students collaborated in teams to solve more complex challenges. Ironwood High School emerged as winner, securing the championship two years in a row. Led by Mr. Rob Shannon, Ironwood High School’s math teacher, the team of students included:
Seniors Theo Benavidez Jadyn Beach James VanGoethem
| Juniors Benjamin Tran Ethan Ignacio Mustafa Hasan
| Sophomores Eldad Solomon Anthony Fernau Logan Thomas
| Freshmen Quinn Snyder Karter Allen Isak Baye
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“Math Madness is an amazing opportunity for our students to showcase their skills and deep knowledge of mathematics. I am thankful to our team who worked hard to put this event together for our students,” shared Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services, Dr. Teresa Hernandez. “A special thank you to our teachers at each school who make these learning opportunities possible.”
New this year, Peoria Unified will invite sixth through eighth grade students to participate in Junior Math Madness from 1 to 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1 at Centennial High School. This inaugural competition will celebrate mathematical creativity, confidence, teamwork and student achievement as students engage in strategy-based problem solving.
“We are so excited to present the Inaugural Junior Math Madness competition,” shared Mary Carlson, Peoria Unified Mathematics Content Coach. “This will be an incredible opportunity for our Junior Mathletes to showcase their mathematical ability and teamwork. We look forward to celebrating their success.”
Junior Math Madness will serve as a steppingstone as students work to participate in the District Math Madness competition when they enter high school.
Any media interested in attending Junior Math Madness and capturing Junior Mathletes in action should email pusdpr@pusd11.net.