Lake-Sumter State College proudly hosted its 39th Annual Mathlympics, welcoming 20 teams of four students from high schools across Lake and Sumter counties. Organized and led by the College’s dedicated math faculty, the event has become a longstanding tradition that celebrates academic excellence, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.
Participating schools included East Ridge High School, Eustis High School, Leesburg High School, Montverde Academy, Mount Dora Christian Academy, Mount Dora High School, Pinecrest Lake Prep, South Lake High School, South Sumter High School, Tavares High School, The Villages High School, Umatilla High School, and Wildwood Middle High School.
Each team tackled 40 complex math problems in just 60 minutes, covering topics ranging from college-level alegebra to advanced concepts in pre-calculus and trigonometry. The competition tested not only accuracy but also speed, as teams earned bonus points for being the first to submit correct answers, adding a strategic layer to the challenge.
“Mathlympics is an opportunity for students to engage deeply with mathematics in a way that is both rigorous and inspiring,” said Dr. Megan Cavanah, Dean of Mathematics. “Our faculty take great pride in every aspect of this event, including crafting challenging math problems, designing an engaging theme, creating a welcoming environment and celebrating students with meaningful awards. The event is a true reflection of LSSC’s commitment to student learning, collaboration, and excellence in mathematics.”
After an intense round of competition, Montverde Academy’s Team B claimed first place in the competition.
The top four teams were:
- Montverde Academy (Team B)
- Eustis High School (Team A)
- East Ridge High School (Team B)
- South Sumter High School (Team A)
An honorable mention was awarded to Montverde Academy Team A, which would have placed in the top four but was ineligible under competition rules limiting final rankings to one team per school.
Rounding out the top 10 were teams from Pinecrest Lake Prep, East Ridge High School, The Villages High School, Mount Dora Christian Academy, and South Sumter High School. Notably, two teams finished with identical scores, with final placement determined by a tiebreaker based on performance on the most challenging 20-point questions.
LSSC’s math faculty pride themselves on crafting a unique and engaging problem set each year—one that emphasizes curiosity, logic, and creativity alongside technical skill. This thoughtful approach has helped establish the Mathlympics as a respected and anticipated academic event in the region.
“Events like the Mathlympics reflect our commitment to academic excellence and community partnership,” said Karen Hogans, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We are proud to provide a space where students can challenge themselves, connect with peers, and experience the excitement of higher-level learning. We look forward to celebrating 40 years of Mathlympics next year.”