Math stars celebrate Medford’s finish in national event

The excitement in the air was palpable at Medford Area Elementary School on Thursday, May 22, as the students received their award for their second place finish in the world’s biggest math competition, the Prodigy National Cup.

The check for $25,000 was presented by Prodigy along with a trophy so large that one student was able to fit his entire head inside of it. Their recognition also came with the most anticipated prize of all, a pizza party complete with Domino’s pizza, parmesan bites, brownies and plenty of sugary drinks.

Before the kids could dig in, third grade teacher and event deejay Scott Woller addressed the school, hyping the kids up for their accomplishment.

“A common language of Prodigy brought all of you together in one spot,” Woller said. “There’s something inside of you called ‘heart.’” Woller played a video from Prodigy cofounder Rohan Mahimker who applauded MAES students and teachers. “You officially made history,” he told them.

Principal Dan Miller addressed the crowd of excited students, stating that he enjoyed hearing from parents who thought they were hosting gangs of rowdy kids for playdates and sleepovers only to catch the children doing math instead.

The kids made short work of the pizza and afterwards there was time for a brief but enthusiastic dance party as the students listened to “Sweet Caroline,” Sponge-Bob's “Best Day Ever” and “The Hampster Dance.” There were some impressive moves on both the kids’ and the educators’ part with several students even doing the worm across the floor. Prodigy also supplied a gift for the students with each child getting an orange fidget popper.

Third graders Evan Laduron and William Schoenborn, part of the team dubbed the Woller Wombats, reported that their teacher was the biggest motivation for their hard work.

“Mr. Woller pushed hard, he inspired us,” said Schoenborn.

“He pushed us to do better,” Laduron stated.

The duo revealed that they’re going into fourth grade with a very specific goal in mind. “We don’t want Sinking Springs to win again,” Laduron said. Sinking Springs Elementary School of York, Penn., took first place this year, only outranking Medford by a little more than 30,000 correct answers.

Their plan is to practice playing Prodigy all summer long. That, and swim in the public pool. “If we had waterproof tablets we could do both!” said Schoenborn.

They know that the money is technically for the tech department, but they have hopes that there might be just enough of the $25,000 winnings left to install a few pits for playing gaga ball, a popular, fast-paced game similar to dodgeball. Either way they’ll be back at it next year, except this time they won’t settle for second place.