Rosary’s all-girls math team wins first regional championship, advances to state
For the first time in school history, Rosary College Prep’s All Girls Math Team earned first-place overall at the ICTM Regional Math Contest held Saturday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Evergreen Park, securing a spot at the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) State Finals on April 18.
Competing against top regional schools, Rosary students delivered an exceptional performance across multiple events, earning numerous individual and team honors while capturing the overall top spot in the region.
“This result reflects the dedication, curiosity, and perseverance of our students,” said Sarah Hoying, math department chair at Rosary College Prep. “They put in countless hours practicing challenging problems and supporting one another as a team. Watching them collaborate, think creatively, and rise to the challenge at regionals was incredibly rewarding.”
Rosary’s success included multiple individual placements and first-place finishes in several team categories.
Individual Honors
• Algebra I: Abby Handell — Tied for second place
• Geometry: Alex Jurado — first place; and Kate White — second place
• Algebra II: Katilyn Schuler — third place
Team Champions
• Geometry team — first place
Ellie DeBlock, Lyla Franceschini, Alex Jurado, Izzy Tolentino, Danielle Walter and Kate White
• Algebra II team — first place
Clara Bello, Aubrey Crnich, Caroline Hernandez, Maggie Lagman, Di Mesiacos and Katilyn Schuler
• Freshman/sophomore eight-person team — first place
Abby Handell, Catie Hernandez, Arabella Hofman, Norah McGinnis, Ellie DeBlock, Lyla Franceschini, Alex Jurado and Danielle Walter
• Junior/senior eight-person team — first place
Aubrey Crnich, Maggie Lagman, De Mesiacos, Bella Rocush, Katilyn Schuler, Lena Collette, Ariyana Nieckula and Sam Ochoa
• Freshman/sophomore two-person team — first place
Alexandra Jurado and Catie Hernandez
Oral team — first place
• Katilyn Schuler and Isabella Rocush
Additional honors
• Pre-calculus team — second place
Lena Collette, Gwen Figueras, Ariyana Nieckula, Sam Ochoa, Cyanna Watkins and Bella Rocush
Head of School Amy McMahon praised the team’s achievement and the collaborative spirit behind it.
“We are incredibly proud of these students and the way they represent Rosary,” McMahon said. “Their success reflects not only their academic excellence but also the confidence, teamwork, and determination that define a Rosary education. Advancing to the state competition is a tremendous accomplishment, and our entire school community is cheering them on.”
With the regional title secured, the team now advances to the ICTM State Finals on April 18, which will be held at Illinois State University, where they will compete against the top schools from across the entire state of Illinois.
About Rosary College Prep
Rosary College Prep is the area’s only all girls Catholic, college-preparatory high school in the western suburbs. Educating girls since 1962, the Dominican Sisters of Springfield and Rosary College Prep are committed to academic excellence, leadership, and the development of the whole person.