Carter County's math teams dominate

Carter County’s mathletes in grades 7-12 earned top team plaques for Class C competitors in all grade levels at the regional math contest held in Baker recently. Representing Ekalaka on the winning grade 7/8 team were Jaden Pardee, Tyra O’Connor, Codi Melton, Heidi LaBree, Kendall Kittelmann, and Ryker Carroll. Jared Pardee, Darin Schallenberger, and Ryan Rychner topped grades 9/10 on the team test. Wyatt Kittelmann, Mick O’Connor, and Whitney Kittelmann took home the top score for grades 11/12.

Individual honors were awarded to several students at this year’s contest. Top scores on individual tests were earned by: Kendall Kittelmann, Ryker Carroll, Tyra O’Connor (top score on 2 tests), Heidi LaBree (top score on 2 tests), Darin Schallenberger, and Heather LaBree.

Jared Pardee and Tyra O’Connor both scored in the top 15% on all three tests they took and earned a Superior rating. Heather LaBree and Ryker Carroll received Silver ratings for their performances by placing in the top third on all three individual tests.

Those selected to represent Carter County at the competition were: Brennen Bonsell, Ryker Carroll, Seth Kennedy, Kari, Kendall, Whitney and Wyatt Kittelmann, Hannah, Heather and Heidi LaBree, Tylee Loehding, Codi Melton, Mick and Tyra O’Connor, Jaden and Jared Pardee, Ryan Rychner, Darin Schallenberger, Grace Tooke, Kenzie Tooke and Turner Tooke. All students submitted strong performances on the tests they took throughout the afternoon.

Students take 3 tests individually and then finish the contest with a team competition. Dena Kirschten and the math department from Baker coordinated the contest.

Test scores have been sent to the state level, where students’ scores will compete with others from around the state.