MES Mathathon students “hunger” to solve problems and survive “The Math Games!” (Photo courtesy Bassler)

By David Bassler

Mammoth Elementary School’s 3rd annual Mathathon took place on May 31.

The theme this year was “The Math Games,” inspired by the popularity of the recent movie, “The Hunger Games.” The idea, though, was to survive math instead of trying to stay alive.

The event was hosted by David Bassler and Antonette Ciccarelli, who were “sent from President Boccia of the Capital to promote math and learning now that the revolution had ended.” David and Antonette dressed for their parts as Effie Trinket and her assistant. Principal Lampariello sent 82 tributes to represent the districts of grades 3-5 though a couple smart 2nd graders snuck in to compete as 3rd graders.

The competition requires speed, concentration, and problem solving with 3 individual rounds. First comes the Speed round, in which students must complete a random 10×10 multiplication table as fast as possible. The 2nd round is a Mental Math test, where 40 questions are presented in a slideshow format that students must complete “in their heads.”

This year, the following tributes had “the odds ever in their favor” …

1st – Liam Bassler (1,113 pts)

2nd (tie)) – Ryan Furness (1,030 pts)

2nd (tie) – Keely Podosin (1,030 pts)

4th – Lucas Strazzere (1,021 pts)

5th – Ari Schuldt (1,008 pts)

6th – Elan Preis (985 pts)

7th – Alexis Molina (972 pts)

8th – Katrionna Furness (942 pts)

9th – Charlie Regelbrugge (930 pts)

10th – Alexia Craven (895 pts)

Speed Winner

3rd grade: Ryan Furness (1st), Makenna Kumlue (2nd), Mitchell Parsons (tie-3rd), Devan Tenedora (tie-3rd)

4th grade: Keely Podosin (1st), Kendall Lach (2nd), Trent Presson (3rd)

5th grade: Liam Bassler (1st), Alexis Molina (2nd), Lucas Strazzere (3rd)

Mental Math

3rd grade: Ryan Furness (1st), Bjorn Karlen (2nd), Cecilia Bassler (tie-3rd), Cesar Pena (tie-3rd), Makenna Kumlue (tie-3rd)

4th grade: Keely Podosin (1st), Trent Presson (2nd), Mason Jeffrey (3rd)

5th grade: Liam Bassler (1st), Ari Shuldt (tie-2nd), Charlie Regelbrugge (tie-2nd), Elan Preis (tie-2nd)

Problem Solving

3rd grade: Ryan Furness (1st), Bryce Horowitz(2nd), Mitchell Parsons (3rd)

4th grade: Keely Podosin (1st), Ruby Walker (2nd), Rhona McChesney (tie-3rd), Stella Anderson (tie-3rd)

5th grade: Liam Bassler (1st), Lucas Strazzere (2nd), Ari Schuldt (tie-3rd), Elan Preis (tie-3rd), Alexia Craven (tie-3rd), Allie Williams (tie-3rd), Katrionna Furness (tie-3rd).

Overall, the event was a great success. The PTO sponsored t-shirts, designed by Norm Tenedora, and ice cream sundaes. Gold dollar coins were given to all students who broke the 10×10 multiplication time goals. Thanks to MES teachers, custodial staff, and Principal Lampariello for their help and support. And thanks also to all the parents, who gave their time or money to help.