Central Elementary mathletes attend competition

Eight students represented Central Elementary in the MathCounts Regional Competition Friday, Feb. 13 on the LSU Campus.

The program is conducted by the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Louisiana Engineering Society.

MathCounts is a nationwide coaching program and a series of competitions with school, regional, state, and national levels, combined to stimulate student interest and achievement in mathematics.

These eight mathletes competed in several rounds of tough competition in a multi-parish region consisting of mostly teams from private and magnet schools.

The team of Eric Murrell, Devin Speligene, Treyton Cherniak, and Forrest Lee placed sixth in the overall team competition making Central’s team the highest ranking public, non-magnet school at the competition. Also competing as individuals were Kevin Murrell, Ashleigh Muscarello, Ever Saravia, and Chase Clause.

In the individual competition, Eric Murrell placed 17th overall, a grand achievement for any mathlete.

MathCounts competitions are designed to be completed in a series of different rounds consisting of the Sprint Round, Target Round, Team Round, and Countdown Round. 

The Sprint Round tests accuracy, such that time allows only the most capable students to complete all of the problems in the round. The Target Round tests mathematical reasoning and problem solving processes.

The Team Round is the only round during which team member interaction is permitted and encouraged.

The final Countdown Round is a fast-paced, oral competition for the top-scoring individuals based on scores in previous rounds.

“The students had a wonderful time at LSU, competed well, and had a great lunch,” said a school spokeperson.  “Thanks to all of the parents that joined in on the trip, and congratulations to these young students and future mathematicians.”