Math Team: Solving PVMHS's Problems

Peabody High is a school of opportunities. extracurriculars and clubs. They will always be subject matter heard in the halls, and talked about enthusiastically between bites of lunch. Whether it be sports, performing arts, or academic-based, the populous of Peabody High is always up to something interesting.

A few days ago I was able to catch up with Demi Karavoussianis, the Math Team President, and Valerie Folan, one of the premier executives of the Math team. They were able to offer some in-depth insight onto one of the most revered clubs of PVMHS.

How do you spell your name, Demi?

“K-a-r-a-v-o-u-s-s-i-a-n-i-s”

What are the math team competitions?

“So, we compete once a month with other teams in the area, and we also solve 3 math problems in 10 minutes. Your points get calculated into the big ‘points scored’ for Peabody.”

Do you have to solve the problems as fast as you can?

“No, you get the full 10 minutes” Demi and Valerie return in chorus, almost as if they planned for this one question.

Would you say that the math team is analogous to like a sports team?

“Even though the points are accumulative, it's more of an individual effort. You don’t really talk to anyone else in the team around, you just sit there by yourself and think.”

So what are the perks of being in math team?

“It's a lot of fun! We have good friendships, I remember last year we were all pretty tight.”

Do the members get better at math?

“We’re definitely trying to do a lot more practices this year, so I would say that I have learned things in math team that have helped me in math class,” reports Demi.

“Sorry I’m late” Richard Moore says jumping into the interview

“This isnt the meeting” Valerie remarks, looking back to Richard, “we’re being interviewed by Nicholas McLaughlin.”

“Oh...” goes Richard Moore.

“That's okay, you can listen if you want” Valerie replies to Richard Moore.

“So whats going on at the meeting” Richard Moore says clicking his pen, ready to scribe.

“We’re not having it,” Valerie responds.

“Yeah, there is no meeting,” I encourage.

“Well I ain’t comin early no more!” yells Richard Moore, as he storms out of the room

“Even if you don't get anything out of the math and the practices, the people on math team are good tools to help you in your everyday math homework and could act as almost tutors too. During practices, I’m sure, any of us upperclassmen will be more than happy to help you.” Valerie remembers after the brief interruption earlier.

Do you have any academic prerequisites?

“In order to compete, you have to know Algebra 1. That's the lowest category we do, but there is no prerequisites, you don’t need a certain grade to get on the team, anyone can join.” “As long as you love math!” Valerie added.

Do you guys have shirts?

“Yeah we do...I almost wore it today… then I forgot.”

Through this brief interview, it was established that the math team is not only known for their academic prowess, but for their insatiable generosity. It’s no easy task to give an interview at 7 in the morning, despite this, the two leaders, Demi and Valerie, gave up their time to sit down and answer my questions.

The math team has historically been a source of greatness at PVMHS. This year, they are no less formidable with the leadership and knowledge they posses. At the Tanner Times, we are excited to see where they will go this year!