Kathleen Hanson, Junior
With this year’s season coming to an end, the Math Team has done well when up against other schools. Marblehead’s Math Team is in Division II of the Massachusetts Mathematics League, where schools compete on the first Thursday of every month until March. The first meet was hosted in Marblehead, and the rest were away meets at a variety of schools. Some of the schools the Math Team has competed against include Swampscott High School, Lynn Classical, Beverly High School, Salem High School, and Malden High School.
Throughout the year, the Math Team has met every Tuesday to work on math problems ranging from Algebra 1 to Trigonometry, in preparation for said meets. “The Marblehead High School Math Team is one of the rare opportunities for students to challenge themselves mathematically outside of the classroom,” says co-president Ben Zaltsman. T
That’s not to say everything is about math, for there was even a cookie and ice cream event. As a member of the Math Team, and the social media manager, I can say that it has been a lot of fun, and it is a great way to spend time after school. Sophomore Ian Chemel agrees that “Math Team is a great experience to have fun, and meet new people.” Math meets are exciting events too, as the time not spent solving problems is used to socialize while enjoying pizza. Other than math events, the Math Team has also been working to raise money. One way of doing this was by selling Gatorade and candy at a track meet, raising over $120. The Math Team also sells snacks in Mrs. McGrail’s room, A209, after school each day. Each item is $2. A couple of members of the team also designed t-shirts, which are worn by members at math meets.
The Math Team’s season runs from September to March, and many members have been a part of the club for multiple years. The Math Team is also currently looking for new members for next year, and anyone of any math level is welcome to join! Current members enjoy their experience and recommend that others join. Sophomore Graham Firestone shares, “Math Team is a club where you can find other people who enjoy the mental challenges of math.” Joining the Math Team can be a great experience, as well as being a good addition to college applications.
Math Team has done well in Division II, meets regularly to practice math problems and engage in social activities, has been organizing fundraising activities, and is welcoming new members of all math levels for next year.