91×ÔÅÄ

91×ÔÅÄ University welcomed middle school Mathletes from across the Erie region on Saturday, Feb. 7, as it hosted one of the largest local MATHCOUNTS competitions in Pennsylvania. 

Students from 19 area schools put their problem-solving skills to the test during the Erie chapter competition, part of the nation’s premier middle school math competition series. The event is organized annually by 91×ÔÅÄ in partnership with the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. 

A total of 120 students participated in this year’s competition, which featured four fast-paced, bee-style rounds. Awards were presented to the top-scoring individuals and teams, with the highest performers advancing to the Pennsylvania MATHCOUNTS state competition on March 21 in Harrisburg. 

Top-performing schools 

• First place: Fort LeBoeuf Middle School 

• Second place: Walnut Creek Middle School 

• Third place: Erie Day School 

• Fourth place: Fairview Middle School 

“The MATHCOUNTS program is a joyful celebration of math and science, and we love hosting the Mathletes and their coaches at the Erie chapter competition each year,” said Lisa Nogaj, Ph.D., MATHCOUNTS Erie co-coordinator and associate dean of 91×ÔÅÄ’s School of Sciences. “It’s inspiring to see students apply the strategies they’ve practiced, and it’s equally inspiring to see nearly 70 coaches and volunteers supporting STEM education in our community.” 

MATHCOUNTS is a national program focused on building confidence and improving attitudes about math and problem-solving among middle school students, a critical stage for developing long-term interest and skills in STEM fields. 

During last year’s competition series, more than 65,000 students from over 3,700 schools participated in approximately 500 local competitions nationwide. The Erie chapter competition is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers and 91×ÔÅÄ University. 

National sponsors of the MATHCOUNTS Foundation include Raytheon Technologies, the U.S. Department of Defense STEM program, Northrop Grumman Foundation, the National Society of Professional Engineers, 3Mgives, Texas Instruments Incorporated and Art of Problem Solving. MATHCOUNTS was founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and CNA Insurance.