Hillcrest places strong in statewide MATH Bowl
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Hillcrest Elementary was represented by two teams at this year's MATH Bowl competition March 6.

There were four classes of competition based on school size and configuration. Hillcrest teams competed in class three. Team two placed 14th and team one placed 18th out of 78 competing class three schools statewide.

More than 40 Hillcrest students participated, including some fourth-graders, creating the need for more than one team.

Contests were held simultaneously at 20 sites around the state. Scores were then compiled to form statewide results.

Tests were comprised of four rounds of seven questions. Final questions in each round were considered tie-breakers.

Hillcrest teams placed first and second in area competition, scoring 21 points each. The teams placed further apart in statewide results due to tie-breakers.

Hillcrest principal Bill Shidler said students were excited and worked hard for the competition.

"I can't speak highly enough about how well the kids performed," Shidler commented. "Parents participated in a similar competition during the contest. Without a refresher, some of the questions were pretty tough."

Hillcrest MATH Bowl Chair Cassy Gasser agreed that students practiced hard but enjoyed themselves.

"The fourth and fifth-graders who participated beat teams with sixth-graders on them," Gasser exclaimed. "They had a lot of info to go over, but had a great showing. The kids were really excited about getting together for practice even when we had to struggle to find ways to do it during bad weather."

Every year after the contest, students choose a slogan to be printed on tee shirts they may purchase at a reduced rate. The slogan chosen this year reads "There are three types of mathematicians - those who can and those who can't."