Calling themselves "Mathletes," a combination of "math" and "athlete," the students gathered in Perry Hall, Maryland are taking part in MATHCOUNTS. The free program supports middle-school math competitions and clubs in every U.S. state and territory.
MATHCOUNTS starts in the fall with weekly meetings where coaches help students learn to tackle tough problems. Each February, more than 500 chapter tournaments like this one are held. The winning teams and individuals move on to state and national competitions.
”It's a way to practice math and enhance your skills and to take you to a further level,” say the students from Garrison Forest School. “It's also definitely fun to meet new people and hang out.”