STEP ASIDE MARCH MADNESS-PEORIA UNIFIED HOSTS INAGURAL MATH MADNESS AS MATHLETES ACROSS FIVE CAMPUSES COMPETE FOR THE TITLE

 

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Over 60 talented high school mathletes gathered at the District Administration Center for a thrilling day of mathematical challenges. Students from Centennial, Ironwood, Liberty, Peoria, and Raymond S. Kellis High Schools first showcased their skills at their respective campuses to earn a spot in the district competition. The competition tested their mastery of mathematical theorems and formulas, spanning from basic algebra to advanced calculus.

 

The morning session saw students tackling a series of individual math problems, contributing to both their personal and team scores. First, second and third place winners were selected per grade level, and are as follows:

Seniors

First, Hunter Kadisak, Liberty

Second, Max Cates, Centennial

Third, Daniel Wirt, Ironwood

Juniors

First, Theo Benavidez, Ironwood

Second, Jacob Sajan, Centennial

Third, Jackson McLean, Liberty

Sophomores

First, Marc Matoza, Liberty

Second, Benjamin Tran, Ironwood

Third, Santiago Posso, Peoria

Freshmen

First, Eldad Solomon, Ironwood

Second, Scott Sinex, Liberty

Third, Kaden Cook, Ironwood

 

In the afternoon, teamwork took center stage as students collaborated to solve more complex mathematical puzzles. Ironwood High School emerged victoriously, clinching the championship trophy. This remarkable achievement was led by Mr. Rob Shannon, Ironwood High School's dedicated math teacher, and his exceptional team of students:

 

Seniors

Daniel Wirt, Richard Lau and Sasha Tijore

Juniors

Jadyn Beach, James VanGoethem, Nicolas Somoshegyi-Szokol, Sophia Tijore and Theo Benavidez

Sophomores

Benjamin Tran and Ethan Ignacio

Freshman

Anthony Fernau, Eldad Solomon, Kaden Cook and Logan Thomas

 

“Mathletes is an incredible opportunity for our students to showcase their skills and all their knowledge in mathematics. It was amazing to see our students achieve in this way, and I am thankful to our team who put this together,” shared Peoria Unified’s Chief Academic Support Officer, Dr. Teresa Hernandez. She continued stating, “I would like to thank our teachers at each school for making this possible. Specifically, Mr. Michael Gahan from Centennial High School and Mrs. Mary Carlson the district’s Mathematics Content Coach who made this dream a reality for so many students.”

 

“The Inaugural Math Madness competition was a resounding success, bringing together bright young minds to showcase their problem-solving skills. Participants demonstrated incredible mathematical talent, making the event both challenging and exciting for everyone involved. With enthusiastic engagement from students, math coordinators, and spectators, the competition set a new standard for future math events. Students were smiling and excited about an all-day math event, and many said they cannot wait to come back next year,” shared Mary Carlson.

 

The Peoria Unified School District is the first district in the valley to host a mathematics-centered academic contest; Mathletes was created to offer a similar competition to the district’s spelling bee and patriotic speech contests.