When Will Parkes grows up, he wants to be an astronaut.
Based on his recent global success in the Caribou Cup math competition, he’s already on track.
Caribou Contests is an online platform offering math learning tools and contests for students of all skill levels. Reinforcing curriculum-based math concepts, Caribou aims to foster a love for math, reduce math anxiety and inspire perseverance with challenging problems.
Six times a year, the platform hosts an international contest for students in grades K/1, 2, 3 /4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, and 11/12.
During the January competition, Parkes, a grade 4 student at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Elementary School, placed 1st in the world, competing against 9342 other students.
“Caribou math questions are not like the math we do every day,” he said. “Caribou math is inspiring to me. I like to challenge myself in math,” adding he works with his dad every day on the subject.
The school also saw success from grade 2 student, Natalie McKillican, who took home first place among 2539 global students.
“I do math at home with my mom and dad,” she said. “I like math.”
At Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School, Isaiah Hodak scored first in the world in the Grade 5/6 category.
“We are so proud of Isaiah and this tremendous accomplishment,” said Special Education Resource Teacher Alisha Caiella.
“He was able to complete the entire contest using mental math and in record time. Isaiah has scored in the top 5% in the past and is very humble in his accomplishments, but this is one that I just had to acknowledge. I am looking forward to seeing what he will accomplish in the future.”
“These are amazing achievements which deserve celebration and recognition,” said Assistant Superintendent of Education Brian Daly. “First in the world is a rare achievement.”
“Credit also goes to the teachers who provided and organized this enrichment opportunity for their classes.”
From left: Will Parkes, Natalie McKillican and Isaiah Hodak
On January 16th, 2025, three grade 6 students at St. Lawrence were presented with their Knowledgehook Mathalon medals and certificates. "The students, Maya, Beatriz, and Mae have been working on achieving this milestone and should be proud of their success," said Teacher Jennifer Rullo.