TWIN LAKES - It all added up for students in Deanna Watkins' fifth-grade enrichment class at Twin Lakes Elementary.

They solved more than 30,000 math problems in November to win the Idaho Math Cup for 2012 through Think Through Math, an interactive Web-based tutoring program that provides supplemental math to students in grades 3-12.

"Think Through Math is a fun and cool way to challenge your brain and your friends at the same time," student Tory Watkins said. "I loved the enthusiasm and teamwork that went on in and out of the classroom, and I always reminded my friends to do math every night and even on the weekends.

"It was kind of like our extra homework. Although it was tough and confusing at times, it sure did pay off."

The Twin Lakes team spent more than 230 hours solving math problems, including at school and home.

Students in 280 schools competed in the contest.

The Twin Lakes class will be honored by Idaho School Superintendent Tom Luna, Think Through Math representatives and Lakeland School District officials during a ceremony on Friday.

"It feels so great to do my part to win the math cup," student Isaiah Hill said.

Student C.J. Moore added: "Thanks to my competitive, but terrific teacher and parents. I feel that we worked very hard to earn the Think Through Math Idaho Cup."

A trophy and banner and T-shirts and certificates for the students will be presented at the ceremony. Watkins' class also will be recognized with the Guru of Giving and Evening/Weekend Warriors awards.

Individual awards go to Isis Rodriguez, who won an iPod Touch with accessories; Connor McDougall, who won a $50 Amazon card and whose class was fifth in the state; and Tory Watkins, who won a $25 Amazon card.

Deanna Watkins' class was sixth in 2010 and fourth in 2011.

"I told this year's class we were due for No. 1," the teacher said. "We do take math very serious, but we like to have fun as well. I try to encourage the kids to work hard and to do their best."

Watkins said that in her 24 years of teaching in the Lakeland district, this is her biggest award.

"If there are contests out there for my kids to enter, we will compete and do our best," she said. "I think it is cool for them to win prizes and awards just for doing math, schoolwork, writing ...

"Being called a state champ in any area is quite an accomplishment and happens very rarely for most people. These kids are only 10 and 11 and have reached a goal some never attain in a lifetime. I am very proud to be their teacher."

Watkins said she briefed parents at conference time about the contest and asked for dedication.

"We would not have won this contest without the kids working on the computers at home late at nights and on the weekends," she said. "I especially want to thank the parents for supporting their kids with this."