More than 60 high school mathletes gathered at the Peoria Unified School District administration center March 27 for a 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. Mathletes 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 personal and team scores. First, second and third place winners were selected per grade level, and are:

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 puzzles. Ironwood High School emerged victorious.

Rob Shannon, Ironwood’s math teacher, led the winning team. His students are:

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. Freshmen Anthony Fernau, Eldad Solomon, Kaden Cook and Logan Thomas.

“It was amazing to see our students achieve in this way, and I am thankful to our team who put this together,” stated Peoria Unified’s Chief Academic Support Officer, Dr. Teresa Hernandez in a press release. “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 made this dream a reality for so many students.”

Peoria Unified School District is the first Valley district to host a math-centered academic contest. Mathletes was created to offer a similar competition to the PUSD spelling bee and patriotic speech contests.

“The Inaugural Math Madness competition was a resounding success, bringing together bright young minds to showcase their problem-solving skills. Students were smiling and excited about an all-day math event, and many said they cannot wait to come back next year,” Carlson stated.