News - Highlights & Achievements - 2007

Veritas Homeschoolers MATHCOUNTS Students Do It Again!

On Saturday, February 24, 2007, over 120 6th, 7th, and 8th graders gathered together for the Papago Chapter MATHCOUNTS competition. After a full morning of test taking, both individually and in teams, the competitors eat lunch and wait. Everyone wants to know, “Who would make the top 10?” Finally, the officials are ready and the final test begins. The audience holds their breath as first the 10th place and then the 9th place scorers are called to take their places as competitors in a one-on-one speed round. Only one competitor can win, and then the 8th place student is called to take his place in the contestant’s chair. This lightening fast level of competition continues until finally it comes down to the top two individuals vying for the first place position for the day.

After last year, when Jonathan Horton and Joshua Steele came in first and second place, we knew that we would have at least two students from our group in the running. Little did we know how well the Veritas Homeschoolers would do. First we had Jonny Woodbury called up to the front in the 6th place position, followed by Jonathan Horton in 2nd, and finally, Joshua Steele in 1st. Needless to say, we were all very excited!

On top of the honors earned through their mathematical abilities are the honors earned by their outstanding behaviors and attitudes. It is refreshing to hear positive comments, from facilitators, parents, and other coaches, about our participants.

Final standings for the day are as follows:

1st Place individual: Jonathan Horton
2nd Place individual: Joshua Steele
7th Place individual: Jonny Woodbury

1st Place team: Veritas Homeschoolers

Next step – The team prepares for the state competition in Tucson on March 17th!

Front row, left to right:  Jason Van Egmond; Brianna Steele; Pam Woodbury, coach; Bethany Steele; Kristina Woodbury, assistant coach.

Back row, left to right:  Jonny Woodbury, 7th place and team member; Josiah Friedman, team member; Joshua Steele, 2nd place and team member; Jonathan Horton, 1st place and team member.

MATHCOUNTS State Competition Results

On March 17th, 2007, 4 team members and one individual from Veritas Homeschoolers participated in the annual MATHCOUNTS state competition. It was a very exciting day with Joshua Steele coming in 1st, Jonathan Horton in 2nd, Jonny Woodbury in 18th, and Josiah Friedman in 19th. And, with their averaged scores added to the team round score, the Veritas Homeschoolers made 1st place team. That means that Joshua and Jonathan will be joined by the 3rd place and 4th places boys from the state competition to form the 4 member Arizona team headed to Fort Worth, Texas to compete against all the other states and territories at the National competition in May.

And, by virtue of the Veritas team placing 1st, their coach, Pam Woodbury will be the Arizona state coach. This is the 3rd consecutive year for Jonathan Horton to achieve this honor and the second for both Joshua Steele and Pam Woodbury.