Garfield Middle School students showcased their computational prowess during the Bebras International Computing Challenge held the week of November 13th. Over 140 students enthusiastically participated in this globally recognized event, emphasizing the significance of informatics and computational thinking in their education.
Computational thinking is a fundamental skill that students develop through engaging challenges like the Bebras competition. It involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts, identifying patterns, and devising algorithms to solve them. This type of thinking fosters logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and a structured approach to challenges, essential skills in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The Bebras challenge, organized in over 30 countries, aims to inspire students worldwide to explore their talents and passion for computing through engaging challenges. Garfield Middle School, with its commitment to nurturing young minds in the field of technology, fielded a formidable contingent across six divisions.
The results are in, and the winners of this year's challenge at Garfield Middle School are as follows:
- 8th Grade Division: Sullivan Rainey (Overall School Winner)
- 7th Grade Division: Lina Kauffman
- 8th Grade Team Division: Jaxson Koellner and Quinten Inman
- 7th Grade Team Division: Scarlett Adkins and Brooke Prinkey
- Mixed Doubles Division: Tie between Iszabella Ersek and Ereka Ersek, and Aiden Lee Dykes and Alex Macek
- Staff Division: Mrs. Bauer, Mrs. Nottingham, and Mrs. Truce
Sullivan Rainey, who emerged as the 8th Grade Division winner, not only secured the top spot in his category but also claimed the title of the overall school winner. Remarkably, Rainey had also clinched the school winner title last year as a 7th grader, showcasing his consistent excellence in the realm of computing.
These exceptional students demonstrated not only their individual skills but also their ability to collaborate as teams in the challenging field of computing. The tie in the Mixed Doubles Division highlights the competitive spirit and talent within Garfield Middle School.
The Middle School Staff also had a chance to show off their skills with the creation of a new in-house staff division this year. The winners in this division were Mrs. Bauer, Mrs. Nottingham, and Mrs. Truce. Notably, the staff had a blast participating, having previously engaged in friendly competition during a professional development night, underlining the inclusive and collaborative spirit of the event.
The Bebras International Computing Challenge has not only provided students with a platform to showcase their abilities but has also played a crucial role in fostering a global excitement about computing. Garfield Middle School congratulates all participants and winners for their dedication and success in this prestigious competition.
For more information on the challenge, please visit www.bebraschallenge.org.
Go G-Men!