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Math and Mandarin Mastery: Orion Alternative and Kennedy Students Shine in Spring Competitions

Math and Mandarin Mastery: Orion Alternative and Kennedy Students Shine in Spring Competitions

Orion Alternative and Kennedy Middle School students are showcasing their multifaceted talents and demonstrating their comprehensive skill sets through several different competitions held this spring. 

International Girls Adventures in Math (GAIM) Competition

Orion Alternative prepared two elite math teams this year for the International Girls Adventures in Math (GAIM) competition. 

Four months of preparation, extra homework, and camaraderie led the students to recognition on the GAIM National Honor Role, and distinctions in the third and fourth tiers of the competition. The students also deepened their friendships and mastery of math skills. 

Students participating in the GAIM competition included: Fionnbar, Nia, Saoirse, Greta, Maya, Olbia, and Alexis. 

The GAIM competition, open to upper elementary and middle school girls, centers around team-based and out-of-the-box problem solving, asking group members to collaborate while solving multi-step questions. 

Chinese Mandarin Speech Contest

Demonstrating knowledge and enthusiasm for the Chinese language, 39 students took part in the 49th annual Chinese Mandarin Speech Contest. 

“This prestigious event brought together students from Mandarin Immersion programs across the region to showcase their language proficiency and public speaking skills,” said Winnie Chen, Orion Alternative principal. “Our students dedicated weeks to writing, editing, and memorizing their speeches in Mandarin—and their hard work truly paid off.” 

Hosted by Chinese Language Teacher Association of California (CLTAC), this yearly event brings together students from across the state of California who are ready to display their speech skills.

Orion Alternative Award Recipients:

Honorable Mention

Aidan (Grade 1)
Eric (Grade 1)
Winston (Grade 1)
Vincent (Grade 5)
Nia (Grade 5)
Avery (Grade 5)
 

3rd Place

Klaire (Grade 1)
Anara (Grade 1)
Lisa (Grade 2)
Clara (Grade 4)


2nd Place

Sierra (Grade 5)
 

1st Place

Marceline (Grade 1)
 

Kennedy Award Recipients:

Honorable Mention – Kaydan
3rd Place – William, Raphael
2nd Place – Robert, Ryan

These spring achievements reflect the dedication, creativity, and perseverance of Orion Alternative and Kennedy students, as well as the guidance of their educators and families. Whether solving complex math problems or delivering speeches in Mandarin, these students are building skills that will serve them for a lifetime—while making their schools and community proud.

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