Middle School Girls Compete in Woodlands Academy Mathalon

Nearly 50 7th and 8th grade girls from 10 area schools spent a Saturday morning putting their math skills to the test in creative, problem-solving ways during the 5th annual Mathalon event Oct. 15 at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest.

This joint venture of Woodlands' math and admission departments saw participation from a total of 15 three-member teams from the following schools:

• Bannockburn Middle School, Bannockburn

• East Lake Academy, Lake Forest

• Highland Middle School, Libertyville

• Joseph Sears School, Kenilworth

• Lake Bluff Middle School, Lake Bluff

• Most Blessed Trinity Academy, Waukegan

• Our Lady of Humility School, Zion

• Quest Academy, Palatine

• St. Gilbert School, Grayslake

• Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Waukegan

First place honors went to Bannockburn Middle School followed by St. Gilbert Team 1 in second place and Highland Middle School Team 1 finishing in third place.

Rounding out the top five were St. Gilbert Team 2 in fourth place and Our Lady of Humility Team 1 in fifth place.

The teams tackled eight events, none of which were rote paper and pencil drills, with Woodlands students serving as their guides and cheerleaders, according to Rocco Gargiulo, Woodlands Academy assistant principal and mathematics department chair.

"These events were hands-on cooperative activities that engaged students to use mathematics in creative, problem solving ways. The events involved mathematical computation, estimation, visual/spacial reasoning, logic and the use of technology," he said.

Woodlands Academy is a Catholic day and boarding college-preparatory high school for young women in grades nine through 12 that promotes academic, artistic and athletic excellence along with global awareness, social responsibility and strong faith.

According to the National Coalition of Girls' Schools, all-girls' schools lead the way in graduating women who become our nation's scientists, doctors, engineers, designers and inventors. Research shows that girls' school graduates are more likely to consider majoring in math, science and technology and also are more likely to consider engineering careers compared to girls who attend coed schools.

Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory day and boarding high school for young women. It's part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries. A nonprofit, Woodlands Academy's identity is rooted in Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat's desire to inspire young hearts and minds to excel, to lead lives of integrity and to serve. For more information about Woodlands Academy, please visit www.woodlandsacademy.org