School District 146 held its 11th Annual Math Challenge in February. The competition is district wide and students from grades 1-8 are eligible. The students work both individually and in teams to solve math equations. The event was held at the Zion Lutheran Church. Two winners from each grade level were chosen and D146 held its Annual Math Challenge Banquet to honor all participants and winners.
The Virginia Koepel Math Award is given to student(s) that complete the Math Challenge every year from first grade to eighth. This year Central Middle School 8th grader Madison Lockwood was the sole recipient of the award.
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Teacher Renee Sullivan remembers Madison when she attended Kruse Education Center and had this to say, “Madison is obviously a very bright young lady. Even as a first grader she had a mathematical mind using various strategies to figure out complex math problems. Even more impressive was the fact that she could explain exactly how she was able to come to the correct answer. Many students are able to get the “right” answer but fewer can explain their thinking.”
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This prestigious award was named in memory of Mrs. Ginny Koepel, a beloved Memorial teacher. Ms. Sullivan said, “Ginny was always pushing students to think. Getting the correct answer is, of course, the goal, but being able to use strategies and reason are life-long skill that teachers hope all children develop. Madison perfectly exemplifies Ginny’s love of learning and reasoning.”
