Math Team: Nerdy, but Fun!

By Destiny Herrmann

The Math Team Competition took place on February 23. With math teacher Monica Grant as their sponsor, 27 students traveled to Illinois Central College (ICC) for the day of test taking. Grant provided breakfast for the team to give them energy for the day, and then the tests began! The competition included both individual tests and team tests.

“There are three team tests: the eight person team, the calculator team, and the two person team,” explained Grant. “I hope they enjoy the teamwork it takes to be successful in the team competitions - they must rely on each other's individual skills to solve problems.”

Students took two test each, determined together and in advance by Grant and the student. The students who weren’t taking a test during a given session had the opportunity to relax, play games, and maybe do some last minute studying. Once all the test sessions were finished, Grant and the students enjoyed lunch before the awards ceremony. 

Princeville placed third as a team, which, although it isn’t enough to advance, shows the great talent of Princeville students. Many individual students and teams placed: Taryn Steidinger placed first in Geometry, Alyssa Headley and Chloe Stahl placed second on the two person team, and Isaac Glenzinski and Emily Green placed second in the oral competition. Those who placed will advance to the state contest at the University of Illinois on May 4.

While the team didn’t advance, Grant most enjoys “seeing kids from all over our area having fun with math,” and she hopes “that the math team students get reinforcement of the topics they study in class.”

Stahl’s enthusiasm proved that Grant’s hopes for her students are more than wishful thinking. Stahl is a senior at Princeville and has participated in math team for three years now. This year, she took the two person test and the written test for precalculus. 

“I’m excited to take the precalculus test because I’m currently taking calculus, and I feel like I will be able to use what I am learning in calculus class on the math team test,” said Stahl prior to the test.

Stahl’s favorite part of math team is “getting to spend time with my classmates who enjoy math.” Glenzinski echoed this sentiment when he said he enjoys “hanging out with fellow nerds.”

Although it may be a bit nerdy, math team is a fun way to take what students are learning beyond the classroom while developing stronger friendships and the essential skill of working as a team.