SANDPOINT — Students from seven different area schools filled classrooms along an entire hallway at Sandpoint High School to compete in the annual Math Olympiad on Wednesday, May 17.

SHS Math Club students helped out at the Olympiad by writing the tests, proctoring the exams alongside some math teachers and handing out the awards. A total of 143 students attended the event from Farmin Stidwell, Kootenai, Southside, Northside, Sagle, Hope and Washington elementary schools.

“It is so important for students to have an activity like this one. Well over half of the high school students that were helping participated in the Math Olympiad when they were in fifth and sixth grade,” SHS math teacher and club adviser Doug Fry said. “I think it inspires them to work hard in their math classes, which creates more options for them once they leave high school.”

Groups of two to four students from each school formed teams for the competition. Each team took five different types of math-related tests, and earned points accordingly. By the looks of the advanced algebra written on the board, this competition was definitely a challenge, but the students were determined and motivated.

A team from Farmin Stidwell, “Just Your ‘Mean’ Kids,” took first place among the sixth graders. Annie Brubaker, Sophie Brubaker and Anna Gronfur made up the winning team. In the fifth grade competition, Northside’s “Improper Fractions” consisting of Maxx Watson, Uku Treirat, Santino Villelli and Everit Taylor won the event.

At the conclusion of the event, the students were treated to pizza, soft drinks, a goodie bag, a big round of applause and their awards.