Student Math Competition Adds Up Big for NHCO

Most people wouldn’t consider spending a Friday evening taking a math test to be fun. But 170 students proved otherwise at the Metro Math Competition, where competitors enthusiastically took a test while vying for the best grades.

"We just wanted to create one (competition) where kids can come without the pressure of having to do good and just come to do math for fun and build the community," said Havisha, a senior at North Allegheny High School who organized the event.

Proceeds from the event’s entry fees benefited three nonprofit organizations, including a $5,000 donation to NHCO. Havisha selected our organization because food insecurity is impacting our community, especially during the holidays when the competition took place.

The participants were elementary and middle school students, mostly from North Allegheny. According to Thrisha, Havisha’s sister and co-organizer, the questions are more creative than traditional tests and emphasize problem-solving. Volunteers graded the exams before winners were awarded.

The Metro Math Competition demonstrates that people of any age can make a positive difference, and that doing good in the community can be creative and come from the most unlikely places.