“Our math curriculum at St. Cecilia Academy is intentionally designed to challenge and support each student, helping them not only to develop a deep appreciation for mathematics but also to achieve at the highest levels,” said Sister Nicholas Marie, O.P., Chair of the Math Department. “I’m proud of how our junior high students represented us—through both their effort and their excellence.”

The team is comprised of seventh-graders Emme Hickman and Finley Rand, and eighth-graders Mia Prickett, Rebecca Terry, and Felicity Yasay. Their preparation included practice tests for both the individual and team competitions. According to Prickett, “We did team and individual timed tests and reviewed solutions to make the problems easier.” Yasay acknowledged the help received from Sister Nicholas Marie, who organized practice times and materials for them.

As a seventh grader competing against her peers in Nashville, Rand was thrilled about placing in the number one position for the competition. She said, “I was extremely happy because I put a lot of work into preparation and the test itself.” Her fellow seventh-grade teammate, Hickman, was also excited about the results. “I was very happy, especially considering Finley and I are seventh graders going against eighth graders.”

Regarding the team competition, Terry said, “I felt accomplished and glad about the hard work paying off.” Prickett agreed and added, “I was very excited for our team to achieve our goal of a top three finish, and I was proud of Finley for earning first place.”

The St. Cecilia Academy math team is a close-knit group. Hickman stated, “I feel like we have grown as a team and as friends through competition.” Terry added, “We worked together as a team, and whenever we were stuck on a question, we would ask each other for help.”

To prepare for Nationals, Rand said, “I am excited and nervous about Nationals. I will take more practice tests, review questions I missed, and pay attention in class.”  Yasay looks forward to more group practices as she sets individual and team goals. “Last year in the Nationals individual competition, I placed 13^th, and I want to aim for a higher spot.”

Perennial Math is an International Math Competition for students who enter individually and as a five-person team. There are three types of competitions: online competitions, on-site tournaments hosted by Perennial Math staff, and virtual tournaments for districts, classrooms, and National Championships. The National Championships will be held May 12-19, 2025.