LA PLATA, Md. — In the 2025-2026 school year, a team of high school students took part in a math competition to test their knowledge. The team competed against those from the seven Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) high schools, racking up points during monthly competitions to come out on top. If you need help with sums, and if you can catch up with them between classes … maybe you can meet the Lackey A team.
At the end of the meet season, a team from Henry E. Lackey High School — Lackey A — was named the overall top team this school year. The team tallied up 145 points by the end of the five-month season. The team is made up of seniors Peyton Lewis, C.J. Rodriguez, Donovan Smith and Kellese Waymer, and junior Nyomi Pledger. Joanna Olson, Lackey math teacher, is the team sponsor.
The following are the Top 5 teams and the final points earned.
• Lackey A, 145 points, first place.
• Maurice J. McDonough High School, McDonough A, 144 points, second place.
• La Plata High School, La Plata A, 118 points, third place.
• Westlake High School, Westlake A, 114 points, fourth place.
• St. Charles High School, St. Charles A, 100 points, fifth place.
The High School Math Team Competition is held virtually once a month from October to February. Each team is made up of five students with most schools supporting multiple teams.
Each month the competition includes three rounds. The first calls for students to work independently, the second round is a relay with the third a team effort. Points are tallied at the end of each round with a winner declared each month. The season’s overall winner is determined by adding up the total points from each month’s contest.
Teams are comprised of students of varying math skills and grade levels. Students with an interest in math can learn more about joining a team in the 2026-2027 school year by speaking with their math teacher.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).