Lehigh Valley Academy (LVA) made an impressive first appearance at the 42nd annual MATHCOUNTS competition, hosted by the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers on February 8th at Eyer Middle School. Competing against 20 schools and more than 150 students from across the region, LVA’s mathletes delivered outstanding performances, securing multiple accolades and making their mark in this prestigious event.
MATHCOUNTS is a nationwide premier middle school math competition. It is designed to challenge students with complex problems. It fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and a passion for STEM. Despite being their first time participating, LVA’s students rose to the challenge with remarkable success, earning recognition in multiple categories.
A Winning Performance
LVA’s team, composed of Aryash Shyam (Team Captain), Betty McGuire, Lucy McGuire, and Sudha Chandrasekaran, delivered an exceptional performance, securing 5th place in the team competition. Their teamwork and problem-solving skills were on full display as they tackled rigorous math challenges against some of the brightest young minds in the region.
In the highly competitive individual category, Aryash Shyam, a 7th grader, earned a spot among the Top 10 Mathletes in the region, showcasing outstanding mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills.
Adding to the school’s triumph, Lehigh Valley Academy was honored with two additional awards: Best Rookie Schooland Honorable Mention, further cementing the team’s strong performance and potential for future competitions.

Recognizing Our Mathletes

LVA’s participating mathletes included:
- Aryash Shyam
- Betty McGuire
- Ciara Kahley
- David Giganti Dima
- Eesha Surendran
- Jake Tophoney
- Lucy McGuire
- Nathan Go
- Sudha Chandrasekaran
These students exemplify LVA’s commitment to fostering excellence in STEM education and academic achievement. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and problem-solving skills are truly commendable.
A Proud Moment for LVA

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and dedication,” said Mr. Charles Raeford, Middle School Principal. “To achieve such remarkable success in our first-ever MATHCOUNTS competition is a testament to our students’ talent, perseverance, and love for mathematics.”
Lehigh Valley Academy looks forward to building on this success and continuing to inspire students to reach new mathematical heights in future competitions.
About LVA
Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School (LVA) is a dynamic K-12 IB World School dedicated to developing well-rounded, critical, creative, and open-minded thinkers. LVA provides a supportive environment that fosters respect and celebrates student achievement, preparing students to embrace the challenges of a diverse global society. Learn more at www.lvacademy.org.
About MATHCOUNTS
MATHCOUNTS is a non-profit organization. It engages middle school students of all ability and interest levels. The organization involves them in challenging math programs. These programs expand their academic and professional opportunities. By providing high-quality resources and extracurricular opportunities, MATHCOUNTS lays a foundation for future success. Learn more at www.mathcounts.org.
Looking Ahead
A huge thank you to our students, coaches, and supporters for making this an unforgettable experience. We look forward to future competitions and celebrating even more STEM achievements!
#LVAPride #MATHCOUNTS #STEMChampions #Mathletes
