Pfeiffer University hosted the third annual Math 24 tournament Friday, a competition between teams from academically gifted classes in the four Stanly County middle schools.

The Math 24 game, created by Robert Sun, is an energetic mathematics tool that engages students from diverse economic and social backgrounds in critical thinking and problem solving skills. There are nine editions of the game, and SCS students in the tournament competed in three editions of increasing difficulty.

By participating, students sharpen their basic math skills such as computation, problem solving, number sense, critical thinking and pattern sensing.

Coaches at each middle school work with their students throughout the year to prepare for the competition.

Participants from each school competed in timed rounds beginning with single digit computations, followed by double digit computations and concluding with single digit variables.

Finalists Mikayla Selander of North Stanly Middle School and Eli Toole, Emma Rhodes and Tallen Yow, all from West Stanly Middle School, emerged from the first two rounds.

Upon completion of the final round (single digit variables), the team from West Stanly captured its second consecutive championship, with Selander claiming her second consecutive individual championship.

This is the second consecutive year Pfeiffer has hosted the event, which is organized by the team of AIG specialists in Stanly County Schools.

Team members include Amy Cord (Central Elementary), Angie Scaffe (SCS Lead AIG Specialist), Barbara Ward (SSMS), Kellyn Brooks (NSMS), Pam Hyatt (East Albemarle Elementary), Penny Morton (AMS) and Teresa Ingle (WSMS).

Pfeiffer students, retired SCS personnel and county office personnel volunteered as judges for the event.

Volunteers were also presented with gifts donated by the West Stanly Middle School Family and Consumer Science classes.