Many Saturday mornings, while many middle school students sleep in, six eighth-graders from Unity Point School gather in the library for a unique purpose: preparing for math competitions. This dedicated group represents the spirit of perseverance and teamwork, devoting countless hours to mastering advanced math concepts. Together, they’re proving that math is not just about numbers—it’s about solving problems, building confidence, and preparing for a brighter future.

Practice sessions, held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. most Saturdays, focus on challenging topics like algebra, geometry, and word problems. Each week, the team tackles a specific type of problem, building skills through guided instruction and practice. The students also receive homework to reinforce their learning between sessions. “It’s intense,” admits eighth-grader Caleb Gao, “but it’s also fun. We learn a lot, and the time flies by.”

The team competes in several events each year, starting with a school-level competition to determine the top four students who will represent Unity Point in regional and state-level contests. Last year, the team advanced to the Illinois state competition in Chicago, earning recognition for their hard work and talent. The team was led by Claire Lu, who secured first place in both the individual and countdown competitions at the regional Mathcounts contest.“It was an amazing experience,” says team member Giorgia Thoms. “Being part of the team and going to state made all the effort worth it.”

Each team member has their own reason for joining. For Claire Lu, the camaraderie and the challenge keep her motivated. “I like meeting new people through competitions,” she says. For Isabella Dai, the initial push came from her parents, but she’s grown to appreciate the value of the experience. “It’s good for Scholar Bowl and for my future,” she admits with a smile.

Even the students who claim they were “strongly encouraged” by their parents to join now recognize the benefits of their commitment. “At first, I wasn’t sure,” says Margo Simonds, “but it’s helped me a lot. I’ve learned so much, and I feel more confident in my abilities.”

Dr. Lu, an Electrical and Computer Engineering professor at Southern Illinois University and an UP parent, brings both expertise and enthusiasm to the Math Team. He started coaching three years ago, motivated by his passion for education and a desire to help students build a strong foundation in math. “Middle school is a critical time to develop confidence in math,” he explains. “No matter what career path they choose, a solid understanding of math is essential.”

The competitions test both individual and team skills, requiring students to solve high-level problems collaboratively. Dr. Lu emphasizes that these events are more than a showcase of math abilities—they’re a chance to develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. “The skills they learn here go beyond the classroom,” he says. “They’ll carry these lessons with them throughout their lives.”

Parents occasionally join Saturday sessions to help teach specific topics, creating a collaborative environment that enhances the students’ experience. “We’re trying to make it more open and involve more people,” Dr. Lu explains. This community effort reflects Unity Point’s commitment to fostering a love of learning and ensuring every student has access to opportunities.

Currently, the Math Team consists of eighth graders many of whom have been on the Team for two or three years. Dr. Lu dreams of extending the program to younger students. “If we had more parents or volunteers, we could start with third or fifth graders,” he says. Early exposure to advanced math concepts, he believes, would provide an even stronger foundation for future success. Dr. Lu also would like to encourage more UP parents and community members to collaborate and motivate a large group of students to pursue STEM education.

As the team prepares for its next competition, the students remain focused and optimistic. “We think we can make it to state again this year,” says Giorgia. “It’s exciting to be part of something that pushes us to do our best.”

The Unity Point Math Team embodies the power of dedication, curiosity, and community support. Through their hard work, students like Ari Pardieck are not only excelling in math but also developing skills that will serve them in any path they choose.

“Math is a tool for life,” their coach says. “When students gain confidence in their abilities, they’re prepared to tackle any challenge.” With the Math Team leading the way, Unity Point continues to shine as a school committed to empowering its students and serving its community.