February 26, 2025

Middle school students from Central Valley, Finley-Sharon, Hatton, Hope-Page, Larimore, May-Port CG, Northwood, and Thompson public schools attended a math meet hosted by the Mayville State mathematics department Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. Students participated in individual and team competitions throughout the morning, had lunch, and wrapped the event up with an awards ceremony in the early afternoon.

Larimore’s Alge-Brrr Bears were the team winner with a score of 311. Members of the team were Gabriella Pierce, Jenna Nusviken, Nic Pritchett, and Marcus Hoverson.

Team runners-up were the Valiants of Central Valley with a score of 310. Team members were Cameron Larson, Mallory Kloster, Josephine Fuglesten, and Christina Hershey.

The Sigma Squad of Hope-Page took third place in the team competition with a score of 269. Members of the team were Chris Bender, Bennett Mewes, Jesse Burnell, and Nora Thompson.

Teams also participated in an interactive game of Kahoot!. The Hope-Page Sigma Squad took first place honors with 20,364 points, followed by Northwood with 17,257. Hatton took third place with 16,889 points.

In individual competitions, the top eighth grader was Mallory Kloster from Central Valley, with a score of 77. Bennett Mewes from Hope-Page and Nic Prichett from Larimore tied for second place with 74 points each.  

The top seventh grader was Benjamin Askim from Hatton with 68 points. Noah Naastad from Hatton was second with 62 points. Third place for seventh graders went to Larimore’s Gabriella Pierce with 59 points.

The finale for the day was an awards ceremony complete with prizes.

Participants were as follows:

  • Hatton Flyers - Lillian Boe, Emmitt Ness, Noah Naastad, and Benjamin Askim; Travis Cormier, advisor.
  • Central Valley Valiants - Cameron Larson, Mallory Kloster, Josephine Fuglesten, and Christina Hershey; Brad Nelson, advisor.
  • Larimore Alge-Brrr Bears - Gabriella Pierce, Jenna Nusviken, Nic Pritchett, and Marcus Hoverson; Ben Jacobson, advisor.
  • May-Port CG ÷ and Conquer - Aurora Koster, Reagan Bradley, Sophia Dodge, and Gus Barker; Allison Johnson, advisor.
  • Finley-Sharon Factorials! - Isaiah Bland, Gunner Carlson, and Macie Linster; Sarah Scheitel, advisor.
  • Hope-Page Sigma Squad - Bennett Mewes, Chris Bender, Jesse Burnell, and Norah Thompson; Alex Holen, advisor.
  • Northwood Trojans - Trent Poppema, Bernt Draxton, Cody Draxton, and Bria Lenz; Christian Kvilvang, advisor.
  • Thompson - Lyla Vaagene, Hayden Tozer, Catie Stevens, and Maya Lovelace; Brandy George, advisor.

The math meet was coordinated by Mayville State University faculty members Taylor Simon, Assistant Professor of Mathematics; Fred Strand, Associate Professor of Mathematics; and Mary Townsend, Associate Professor of Mathematics. They were assisted by Mayville State Math Club members and students currently enrolled in mathematics classes.

“We enjoy offering events such as this for area students,” said Mayville State University President Dr. Brian Van Horn. “It is our privilege to give young people the opportunity to test their skills and expand their knowledge in academic interest areas. Mathematics is a critical need area in our state, so encouraging them in this area is especially appropriate. It makes us Comet Proud to note that four of the eight advisors of the participating teams are Mayville State graduates!

“Thank you to our Division of Science and Mathematics faculty and students and members of the Math Club for their leadership and work that made it happen, and to the students, coaches, and school administrators who made it possible for the middle school students to participate.”  

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In honor of Fred Strand’s upcoming retirement, Mayville State President Dr. Brian Van Horn presented Middle School Math Meet participants with a couple of math problems. In summary, the equations boiled down to a total of 45 years of inspiring students for Mr. Strand.

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President Van Horn is pictured with the Mayville State mathematics faculty members. From left to right are Van Horn, Mary Townsend, Fred Strand, and Taylor Simon.

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Hope-Page Sigma Squad won the Kahoot! competition. Pictured from left to right are Norah Thompson, Bennett Mewes, Jesse Burnell, and Chris Bender.

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The Central Valley Valiants were the runner-up team. Pictured from left to right are Josephine Fuglesten, Cameron Larson, Christina Hershey, and Mallory Kloster made up the Central Valley team.

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The Larimore Alge-Brrr Bears were the team champions. Pictured from left to right are Marcus Hoverson, Nic Pritchett, Jenna Nusviken, and Gabriella Pierce.

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Benjamin Askim from Hatton took first place among seventh graders.

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Mallory Kloster placed first among eighth graders.