Ileana Mora-Gomez Wins Global Math Championship

Staff Report /

### William McKinley Student Wins Global Math Championship

Indianapolis Public Schools celebrated a remarkable moment for one of its students during their ongoing "12 Days of IPS" recognition series. Sixth-grader Ileana Mora-Gomez from William McKinley School 39 made history when she became the Learn Fresh NBA Math Hoops Global Champion in New York City.

Ileana triumphed in the prestigious global math competition, impressing judges and peers alike with her lightning-fast calculations and exceptional math skills. The NBA Math Hoops program integrates basketball-themed challenges with math problems, while also focusing on social-emotional learning for students in grades 4-8. Thanks to support from the Pacers Foundation, Lilly Foundation, and the NBA, this program encourages students, especially girls and students of color, to explore careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

Ileana’s journey included several unforgettable highlights:

- **June 25**: Enjoying iconic New York City desserts like cannoli and cookies from Carlo’s Bakery.

- **June 26**: Competing in the tournament's major rounds, drafting teams, and even attending the NBA Draft at the Barclays Center.

- **June 27**: Exploring sports analytics at Syracuse University and celebrating success at the official awards ceremony.

- **June 28**: Taking home the championship title during an intense final round.

The recognition didn’t stop there—Jacob Gregory, Ileana’s sixth-grade math teacher, was named one of three 2024 Learn Fresh Outstanding Educators. Notably, Gregory is the only educator in Indiana to receive this honor.

The IPS community and partners continue to shine a light on student achievement and dedication to STEAM initiatives through programs like NBA Math Hoops. Congratulations to Ileana on her incredible achievement and to Jacob Gregory for his outstanding contributions to education.

#12DaysofIPS #NBAHoops #MathChampions #TeamIPS #LearnFresh #STEAM #PacersFoundation



Source: Indianapolis Public Schools

Source Type: Schools

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