DIXON –– Rochelle Middle School math team has met twice a week since the school year resumed after winter break. Their practice paid off on Saturday, Feb. 11 when the team competed in the Regional MathCounts competition at Sauk Valley College.

That was the only competition the students will compete in as they placed third as a team. Meghan Thiravong placed fourth as an individual. Team members include Thiravong, Davansh Patel, Jason Zheng and David Wanner. Katie Henson and Kyce Jaradat competed as alternates and Katie Queller-Zilis coaches the team. During the competition students answered 38 questions on an individual test and 10 more during the written group portion. Thiravong placed in the top eight on the written test advancing to the Count Down Round. During the final round contestants are given a buzzer and must buzz in similar to a game show during the verbal competition.

“I think it is fairly unusual and impressive for a team like ours with only one 8th grader to place. It is quite an accomplishment. This is a reflection of the students abilities and on the education they have received from all the math teachers they have had over the years,” stated Queller-Zilis.

The competition was sponsored by the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers.