"It
takes less time to do a thing right than to explain why you did it wrong"
- Longfellow
That
quote, with the phrase Integrity at Southwest, is on a poster in the IB
office. The Southwest Math Team displayed integrity yesterday.
Southwest
earned their eleventh consecutive division title this year, along with their
eleventh consecutive invitation to the State Tournament. Nine students
represented the school. Mikal Nelson and I acted as guides and chaperones. Joey
Doyle, Arthur Goldman, Mitchell Hockenberry, Henry Meeker, Mark Pekala, Simon
Rothman, Rachel Springer, Isadora White, and Claire Weil each completed two
individual events and participated in the team event. Arthur had the high score
for the team, correctly answering seven of his eight questions.
After
all the events were completed and the points tallied, our team waited for the
awards to be presented. Based on our season performance, we were competing in
the Beta Class (second group of 14 teams at the tournament out of 42 invited
teams).
We
were awarded third place! Medals were presented! A trophy was awarded!
But
something didn't seem right. The score they called for our team was two points
too many. After a quick consultation, we determined that we actually earned 80
points and we really finished in fourth place.
The
kids were awesome.
They neatly boxed up their medals, and turned in their trophy. I heard phrases
like, "it's the right thing to do". There was no whining or
complaining. It was an Oscars-like moment. Another team was given the award
that they earned.
Mik
and I are proud of our team! Even if they don't have a trophy to show for their
efforts.
David MvMayer & Mikel Nelson
Southwest Math Team Coaches
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