VANGUARD GIFTED ACADEMY STUDENTS EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE OF THE MATH KANGAROO COMPETITION

Batavia school hosts accessible daytime, evening, and online sessions to promote creative problem-solving over winning

BATAVIA, IL - Students at Vanguard Gifted Academy took on a unique challenge today as they participated in the annual Math Kangaroo competition. Showcasing their dedication to learning, students tackled exams ranging from the first grade to the tenth grade math levels, with many stepping up to compete at or above their current math abilities.

Because Vanguard Gifted Academy wants to make sure that math is accessible to everyone in the community, the school hosted three different testing sessions throughout the day. They ran a daytime session specifically for enrolled Vanguard students, an evening session open to the general public, and an even later online session for those who could not meet in person.

For the staff and students at Vanguard, participating in this event is never about winning medals or taking home trophies. The true goal of the competition is entirely about creative problem-solving, pushing through difficult concepts, and learning the vital skill of perseverance. Seeing learners tackle these complex logic puzzles with such imagination perfectly aligns with the school's mission to challenge and inspire.

The event holds a special significance for Vanguard Gifted Academy's Head of School, Amy Trujillo, who also serves as the Illinois State Director for Math Kangaroo. Her involvement highlights a deep commitment to expanding mathematical enrichment opportunities. The United States version of the Math Kangaroo competition actually started right here in Illinois at a Chicago school in 1998. Since that time, it has grown significantly, with over 53,000 students across the country participating in 2025 alone. It is a legacy of mathematical enrichment that continues to thrive locally in Batavia.

To learn more about how Vanguard Gifted Academy challenges its students and supports the community, visit www.vanguardgiftedacademy.org or call 785-317-0184. The school is located at 1078 E. Wilson Street in Batavia.