Teaching and Learning - General Education

CALCULATING SUCCESS

Since 1993, the Jeanette L. Staley Math Tournament has encouraged young students to reach new heights in education.

Did you know that every year, one of our college departments hosts a competition exclusive to middle and high school students?

Coordinated by the CVCC Math Department, the Jeanette L. Staley Math Tournament brings students, instructors, and partners together for a day of education and engagement. The event is a unique outlet for students who are interested in mathematics or related subjects.

Last year, the tournament welcomed eight high schools and seven middle schools to our campus, totaling more than 240 participants.

“This tournament is a great opportunity to bring the community together through a math lens,” shares Jeanne McGinnis, Senior Professor of Mathematics at CVCC. “For these middle and high school students who are excelling in math and constantly thinking about the next course to take, this is a time to enjoy the subject with other like-minded students.”

We want the tournament to become an avenue for students who wish to be part of an extracurricular team outside of sports, arts, or other school programs. Just like a theater or yearbook club, students use these sessions as a safe space to socialize, practice,

and prepare. Most participating teams hold after-school sessions throughout the academic year.

It’s also an opportunity to foster stronger partnerships with local schools. The big day involves plenty of activities for our guest instructors. While students get to work on their individual tests and team competitions, instructors are encouraged to network and catch up on the highlights of their school year.

Another reason participants enjoy the tournament is that it allows students to develop self-confidence. There is nothing

like getting out of the classroom, seeing a student’s excitement while they score big and reach new achievements.

“The students enjoy the camaraderie and competition that the tournament fosters,” shares Cameron Beard, math instructor and athletics coach at Bunker Hill High School.

After a busy morning of individual quizzes and problem-solving, students spend the rest of the afternoon in the team competition. Categories vary according to grade level:

Math I, II, III, and the highest level, Advanced Math. Middle school teams compete against middle school teams, and high schools go head-to-head with other high schools.

In Bunker Hill’s case, two of the three winners in the individual 7th grade-level tournament

were from their partner school, River Bend Middle. This year, River Bend students are encouraging each other to participate and are waiting expectantly for the announcement of the 2024 Math Tournament team.

“Our staff and students saw a great deal of increased engagement, school pride, and general curiosity after last year’s tournament,” says Beard. “We can’t wait to get back to CVCC this Spring.”

Our faculty members share the same sentiment. We can not wait to welcome new students and new schools to the 28th annual tournament, and we are excited to watch these student competitors reach new heights.

2023 MATH TOURNAMENT RESULTS

7th Grade:

1st: McKenna Sullivan – River Bend Middle

2nd: Khloe James – River Bend Middle

3rd: Mack Osborne – Newton-Conover Middle

8th Grade:

1st: Josh See – River Bend Middle

2nd: John Urs – Jacob’s Fork Middle

3rd: Isaiah Hendershot – River Bend Middle

Math I:

1st: Torrey Schaefer – Northview Middle

2nd: Harrison Scronce – Grandview Middle

3rd: Cailey Farmer – South Caldwell High

Math II:

1st: Alexandra Hexemer – Northview Middle

2nd: Jacob Holbrook – Northview Middle

3rd: Chloe Penley – Hibriten High

Math III:

1st: Lucas Packard – Hickory High

2nd: Carter Hofmann – Fred T. Foard

3rd: Blake Powell – Fred T. Foard

Advanced Math:

1st: Joshua Elkins – Fred T. Foard

2nd: Michael Brown – Alexander Central High

3rd: Lily Haney – Alexander Central High

Middle School Team:

1st: Northview Middle

2nd: Newton-Conover Middle

High School Team:

1st: Alexander Central High

2nd: Fred T Foard