PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — More than 200 middle school students from 18 schools across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties showcased sharp problem-solving skills at the 32nd annual Southern Maryland MATHCOUNTS chapter competition held February 7, 2026, at Calvert High School.
The event, coordinated with support from Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) and the three county public school systems, drew competitors to tackle rigorous math challenges designed to spark enthusiasm for the subject and build foundations for STEM careers. MATHCOUNTS, a national program, hosts over 500 regional events yearly, with top performers advancing to state and national levels. Alumni data shows three-quarters pursue STEM fields in college—nearly triple the national average—and 95 percent of teachers report the program’s problems effectively sharpen critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
From left, Delcan Peel, Jason Falkler, Jamahl Harper, and Sebastian Miciano.
From left, coach Meg McDowell, Lucas Mousseau, LJ Reynolds, Sterling Roberts, and Bruce Howell.
From left, Kate Densing, Rayna Xue, Miller Lee, Andrew Lacey, and coach Kathy Dempster.
From left, co-coach Josie Cazares, Jaxson Cooper, Micah Hayes, Manuel D’Antonio, and coach Mary Skulski. (Not pictured: Harshal Shah)
From left, Aditi Chauhan, Ryan Ritchie, Alex Vo, Oscar Neto, and coach Michele Atwell. Credit: SMECO
The three-hour contest unfolded in multiple rounds. Students first completed the sprint round, a 30-question individual timed test. They then moved to the target round, facing four sets of two problems each, with six minutes per set. Combined scores from these rounds determined individual standings.
Hunter Bennett from Mill Creek Middle School claimed first place in the individual competition, followed by Delcan Peel from Milton Somers Middle School in second. The top 12 scorers advanced to the high-stakes countdown round, a single-elimination, buzzer-style bracket where participants verbally answer questions in seconds. Carson Litten from Margaret Brent Middle School emerged as countdown champion, with Andrew Lacey from Northern Middle School taking second.
Teams of four competed in the team round, solving 10 questions collaboratively in 20 minutes. Spring Ridge Middle School in St. Mary’s County captured first place, with team members Aditi Chauhan, Oscar Neto, Ryan Ritchie, and Alex Vo under coach Michele Atwell. Esperanza Middle School, also from St. Mary’s County, finished second; members were Jaxson Cooper, Manuel D’Antonio, Micah Hayes, and Harshal Shah, coached by Mary Skulski and co-coached by Josie Cazares. Northern Middle School in Calvert County secured third with Kate Densing, Andrew Lacey, Miller Lee, and Rayna Xue, coached by Kathy Dempster. Leonardtown Middle School placed fourth, and Milton Somers Middle School rounded out the top five.
SMECO volunteers assisted with scoring, contributing hands-on support to the event’s smooth operation. The chapter competition serves as a gateway to the Maryland state contest at McDonogh School in Owings Mills, where qualifiers vie for spots in the national finals. The top four individuals from each state event earn all-expenses-paid trips to the national competition in Orlando, Florida, in May.
This year’s turnout of over 200 participants reflects growing interest in math enrichment across Southern Maryland, where schools emphasize STEM readiness amid demands of a technology-driven economy. The program engages students through competitive yet enjoyable formats, encouraging persistence and creative thinking in mathematics.
Winners now prepare for the state level, building on strong performances that highlight talent from local middle schools in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.