Mathletes Represent Copper Basin in Fairbanks
Mariah Abbott, Coach Abbott, Will McMahan and Caleb Grandlinard at MathCounts in Fairbanks. Photo courtesy of Sarah Abbott
Sarah Abbott - Coach
MathCounts is a national program that exists to get Middle School students excited about math. The Upstream Learning MathCounts team had the privilege of competing in the Alaska State competition at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. They earned this opportunity by placing first in the Alaska Rural Chapter MathCounts competition in February.
Caden Schwanke from Upstream Learning won this year’s Individual Rural Chapter competition, with Zane Gerlach, also from Upstream, placing second.
Unfortunately, neither of these Mathletes were able to compete at State due to previous commitments.
Our Upstream State Team participating at UAF consisted of Will McMahan, Caleb Grandlinard, and Mariah Abbott. While in Fairbanks, in addition to the competition, the mathletes were able to relax and enjoy a variety of activities, including the Olympic sport of curling, going to the ice sculptures, sledding, and bowling. Seventh grader Will McMahan was our highest scorer at State, placing 13th overall against top Mathletes from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Kenai.
I would like to thank Laurie Blair for proctoring this year’s chapter competition and Mark Proch for his willingness to support the team in any way necessary. Thanks also to Engineer Cheyenne Alabanzas for serving as the Alaska Rural Chapter Coordinator and to State Coordinator Clark Milne for his many years of dedication to the MathCounts program and for organizing this year’s State event. Congratulations, Mathletes, on your accomplishments!
More school reporting from the Copper Basin:
2023 Mac-Attack Blue Division Champions!
