Cards snapped onto tables, hands shot into the air and rounds moved at a pace that kept the room buzzing from morning to afternoon.

The event, now in its fourth year since returning as a regional tournament, drew students in grades 4-8 from Mifflin, Juniata, Huntingdon and Fulton counties.

What began as a modest competition with about 100 students has grown steadily, and this year’s turnout marked its largest field yet.

Seven schools joined the tournament for the first time, including Mifflin County Christian Academy, Mount Union Junior High School, Southside Elementary School, Southern Fulton Elementary School, Southern Fulton Junior High School, McConnellsburg Elementary School and BILD. Their addition helped push participation to nearly 150 students — a milestone for organizers.

Submitted photo
Fifth-grade students who finished in the top four places at the Annual Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 Math 24 Competition on May 15. Pictured are from left: Aubrey Conrade, of Southside Elementary School, second place; Landon Hyde, of Southside Elementary School, fourth place; Alexa Hunter, of Lewistown Intermediate School, third place; and Cameron Hartzler, of Belleville Christian School, first place.

A game of speed and strategy

Math 24 is simple in appearance but demanding in execution. Each card displays four numbers. Students must mentally combine them using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to make 24, using each number once. No paper. No calculators. Just quick thinking and sharper reflexes.

The format creates a fast-moving atmosphere. Students rotate through tables, compete in timed rounds and advance based on accuracy and speed. The fire hall filled with the kind of focused intensity usually reserved for sports tournaments — only this time, the competition was powered by mental math.

Top performers recognized

Students competed within their grade levels, with the highest scorers earning medals for their performances. Area students finished among the best in each of the grade levels.

Submitted photo
Middle-school students (Sixth through eighth grade) who finished in the top four places at the Annual Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 Math 24 Competition on May 15. Pictured are from left: Mallory Hostetler, of Mifflin County Middle School, fourth place; Lillian Deppen, of Tuscarora Junior High School, third place; Hannah Beaver, of Mifflin County Middle School, second place; and Garrett Kerstetter, of East Juniata Junior High School, first place.

This year’s medalists were:

Fourth grade

• First place — Paul Gregory, of Southern Fulton Elementary School;

• Second place — Karson Reichenbach, of East Juniata Elementary School;

• Third place — Rowen Revercomb, of Forbes Road Elementary School;

• Fourth place — Trace Varner, of Shirley Township Elementary School.

Fifth grade

• First place — Cameron Hartzler, of Belleville Christian School;

• Second place — Aubrey Conrad, of Southside Elementary School;

• Third place — Alexa Hunter, of Lewistown Intermediate School;

• Fourth place — Landon Hyde, of Southside Elementary School.

Middle school (Sixth through eighth grades)

• First place — Garrett Kerstetter, of East Juniata Junior High School;

• Second place — Hannah Beaver, of Mifflin County Middle School;

• Third place — Lillian Deppen, of Tuscarora Junior High School;

• Fourth place — Mallory Hostetler, of Mifflin County Middle School.

A regional event with regional impact

The tournament has become one of TIU 11’s most anticipated academic events, offering students a chance to stretch their math skills in a setting that feels both competitive and celebratory. The day also gives students the opportunity to meet peers from neighboring districts — something that doesn’t happen often during the school year.

The atmosphere remained upbeat throughout the event. Between rounds, students compared strategies, replayed tricky cards and cheered on classmates. Teachers and families filled the room with encouragement as competitors moved through the bracket.

Looking ahead

With participation climbing and new schools joining each year, organizers expect the Math 24 Competition to continue expanding.

The event has become a showcase for number sense, quick thinking and academic confidence — and a reminder that math can be just as exciting as any sport when the stakes are high and the room is full.

The tournament will return next spring, and if this year’s turnout is any indication, even more young mathematicians will be ready to take on the challenge.