On Feb. 1, Liberty Middle School’s MATHCOUNTS team competed in the MATHCOUNTS Chapter Competition at Dutchess Community College. The team, coached by Mr. Joe Franke, included Claire Ferguson, Yoscari Gomez Mejia, Elizabeth MacNamara, Alena Tarabich and Sophie Zayas. They demonstrated impressive problem-solving skills and teamwork throughout the event, Mr. Franke said.

Elizabeth MacNamara earned third place out of 19 students in the Countdown Round, a head-to-head competition that tests students’ speed and accuracy in solving complex math problems under pressure. “Her outstanding performance was a testament to her hard work and dedication,” Mr. Franke said.

MATHCOUNTS is a nationwide program that challenges middle school students with engaging and rigorous math problems, helping them build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The competition consists of individual and team rounds, testing students’ speed, accuracy and strategic thinking.