Laughter, concentration and the scratch of pencils filled the Yellowjacket Union Great Room on April 15 as the University of Wisconsin‑Superior welcomed 80 high school students from across Wisconsin and Minnesota for its annual High School Mathematics Meet.

Now in its fourth decade, the Math Meet continues to serve as a celebration of academic curiosity and problem‑solving, bringing together students who share a passion for mathematics and enjoy the challenge of putting their skills to the test.

Throughout the day, students competed both individually and in teams, tackling problems in geometry, calculus, algebra, trigonometry, probability and statistics. The competition encouraged not only accuracy and speed, but also collaboration, as students worked together to navigate complex questions and unfamiliar scenarios.

The morning began with a team event, setting the tone for a day that balanced friendly competition with camaraderie. Later, students gathered for a mathematics talk by Steve Rosenberg, professor in UW‑Superior’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. Rosenberg’s presentation on continued fractions offered participants a chance to explore advanced mathematical ideas while seeing how abstract concepts connect to broader applications.

“I personally enjoyed Steve Rosenberg’s talk on continued fractions as it was relatable, interesting, and exciting,” said Heather Kahler, teaching professor at UW-Superior. “It is always inspiring to see students and teachers choose engage in mathematics for an entire day.” 

One of the most anticipated moments of the day followed with the Candy Bar Quiz, a longtime favorite led by Jerad DeVries, senior lecturer in the Mathematics and Computer Science Department. The fast‑paced quiz combined critical thinking with a sense of fun, rewarding correct answers with candy bars and reinforcing that enjoyment and learning often go hand in hand.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding individual and team performances. Students were applauded not only for high scores, but also for their perseverance, creativity and willingness to embrace challenging material. For many participants, the recognition was a highlight of the day and a fitting conclusion to hours of focused problem‑solving.

“The celebrations of winners in the awards ceremony are genuine and heartwarming,” Kahler said.

The High School Mathematics Meet is hosted by UW‑Superior’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department, whose faculty and staff design the exams and competition format each year. Their efforts reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to academic outreach and to fostering strong connections with regional schools.

By welcoming students to campus and celebrating their achievements, UW‑Superior continues to highlight the value of mathematical thinking while encouraging the next generation of learners to see themselves as future scholars, innovators and problem‑solvers.

For more than 30 years, the Math Meet has remained a point of pride for the university and its participants — a tradition that honors excellence, curiosity and the joy of learning.