Finley Mathcounts Team
Takes First Place
It all added up for a team of elite J. Taylor Finley Middle School students who won the Suffolk Mathcounts championship after a grueling academic competition hosted by the National Society of Professional Engineers. The young mathematicians brought back a handsome plaque to the school, commemorating their achievement.
Finley’s team consisted of Marc Feldman, Alex Castillo, Jesse Feldman-Stein, Caitlin Knowles, Christine Simpson, and Christian Jamison. Students compete for spots on their school team in the competition, which is held in communities across the country. The top six math students in the seventh and eighth grades earn the coveted spots on each squad.
Finley’s team, along with teacher-advisors Elizabeth Grobe and Denise Grodzicki, came prepared for three rounds of challenging mental exercise, which was held in Ronkonkoma. Heading into the final frame, Finley found itself in third place, but by working together, the group pulled out the stunning victory.
“I am very proud of our Mathcounts students,” Finley Principal John Amato said. “This was not a small feat. Some of the best performing middle school math students in the county participate in this competition. I have proudly placed the plaque in our showcase. Mrs. Grodzicki and Mrs. Grobe are to also be commended.”
In addition to the team title, Mr. Feldman-Stein placed sixth overall among all competitors. Finley is now eligible to advance to the state level competition this spring.
“To secure America's global competitiveness, Mathcounts inspires excellence, confidence and curiosity in U.S. middle school students through fun and challenging math programs,” according to the 27 year-old national organization’s website. “With the generous support of all Mathcounts sponsors and volunteers, and the leadership of the National Society of Professional Engineers at the local and state levels, Mathcounts is providing today’s students with the foundation for success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers.”
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