Saint Peter High School

Recently, the Saint Peter High School Math Team wrapped up a successful new season. Coached by SPHS Math teacher David Kennedy, the team participated in five major competitions, where they worked together to solve complex equations and earn points for their team. 

(SHOWN ABOVE) SPHS Math League team members for the 2024-25 season included: front row (l to r) Isam Ibrahim, Callum Harmes; back row, Allan Nienow, Coach Dave Kennedy, Sada Harmes, and Lilian Filand.

Kennedy, who has advised the SPHS Math Team for over a decade, highlights this group’s collaboration and problem-solving skills. “This particular team works exceptionally well together,” he says, “they support each other during tournaments, but also in general.” This, Kennedy implies, may well be the key to their success. 

This year, the five member team scored a season high of 164 points after the fourth meet of the Section 1AA tournament. Other teams in the section included Waseca, Faribault, Stewartville, Minnesota Valley Lutheran, and Mankato East and West. Despite their small size, the SPHS team placed within the top three teams at each of their five tournaments. Throughout the competition, students encountered advanced mathematical content, including algebra, geometry and trigonometry, and probability and statistics. 

Each tournament served not only as an opportunity for students to flex their academic prowess, but also as a means to connect students with similar interests. According to the Minnesota Math League’s mission statement, the league aims to “identify students with exceptional interest and/or mathematical ability, give them recognition and encouragement, bring them together with similarly motivated students, and introduce them to topics not commonly taught in the high school curriculum.”

While the math problems are often quite challenging, Kennedy encourages students to “hang in there – they will learn a lot!” Additionally, Kennedy remarks that the Math Team is a unique addition to any resume or college application. Students benefit from working through challenging material together, as a team. 

Below are some Math League members taking part in pre-competition practice sessions during this past season and a schedule recap.