More than 100 students from Southern Maryland middle schools tested their computation skills at the twelfth annual MATHCOUNTS competition held at Mechanicsville Elementary School on Saturday, February 4. During the three-hour competition, the students tackled challenging mathematics problems in a series of exciting rounds.
For the team competition, Leonardtown Middle School in St. Mary’s County came in first: team members included C.J. Culpepper, Alison Devine, Tony Oblen, and Kelly Turner, coached by Richard Condle. Margaret Brent Middle School in St. Mary’s County placed second: team members included Brian Heidelbach, Michelle Lent, James Montgomery, and Brody Smith, coached by Kevin Mackall. Esperanza Middle School in St. Mary’s County came in third: team members included Nick Brown, Tanner Kellogg, Peter Offenbacher, and Alex Wincelowitz, coached by Craig Modrzejewski. Northern Middle School in Calvert County placed fourth: team members included Eric Butler, Samantha Jones, Keegan Lee, and Eric Stubblefield, coached by Judy Haines. Plum Point Middle School in Calvert County came in fifth: team members included Ben Arochio, Christina Malliakos, Shaj Mathew, and Conner Muilenburg, coached by Peg Blacker.
In the countdown rounds, C.J. Culpepper of Leonardtown Middle School placed first and Eric Butler of Northern Middle School placed second.
During the target and sprint rounds, students competed to see who could score highest on their individual test. During these exams, Conner Muilenburg of Plum Point Middle School placed first and Keegan Lee of Northern Middle School placed second.
The local MATHCOUNTS competition is sponsored by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative and the Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s County school systems, with the support of the Society of Professional Engineers. Winners of the Southern Maryland chapter competition will go on to compete in the statewide contest. State winners will progress to the national competition in Washington, D.C.
Photo: First Place Team, Leonardtown Middle School. Pictured Left to right: Coach Richard Condle, C.J. Culpepper, Tony Oblen, Alison Devine, and Kelly Turner.