ADRIAN — The Lenawee Intermediate School District Tech Center was alive with energy on April 2 as students from across Lenawee County gathered for the Lenawee County Equations Super Tournament, the final event of the Lenawee Equations season.
Students from Adrian Public Schools, Madison School District, Sand Creek Community Schools, and Tecumseh Public Schools took park in a day of math-based competition.
Participants were grouped by grade levels — grades 5/6, grades 7/8, and high school — with additional divisions within each group.
This year’s tournament concluded with Tecumseh taking home the traveling trophy for grades 5/6 and the high school division, while Sand Creek claimed the traveling trophy for grades 7/8. All participating districts had students place in the top three across various divisions, highlighting the academic talent throughout Lenawee County.
The Lenawee Equations program is led by Jacqueline Clegg, a teacher at Madison.
“Equations is a wonderful program that allows our young mathematicians to creatively compete with their mathematical logic and affords all students a chance to be a part of a sport,” Clegg said.
Adrian math teacher and Equations coach Amber Lilly said the program has been growing.
“Last year, we had 11 students participate, and this year we brought a team of 26 — the momentum is truly exciting,” Lilly said. “It’s rewarding to see students connect with peers who share their interests in such a dynamic and challenging environment. The competition is intense, and it’s incredible to see that level of engagement come from a math-based game. Equations is every bit as competitive as any sport I’ve played, just in a different way — and it’s a fantastic opportunity for students to strengthen both their critical thinking and social skills.”
The program’s longevity is also a highlight for Tecumseh, where students often stay involved in Equations throughout their school years.
“Equations is one of the few extracurricular programs that students can join as early as fifth grade and stay involved with all the way through high school,” said Tecumseh coach Jan Garner. “It’s amazing to see how many of our students stick with it year after year. Equations is a great way to turn math into something fun, challenging, and engaging.”
Sand Creek coach Jennifer Gunter said the program offers not only academic growth, but also a sense of belonging.
“For students who may not be involved in traditional sports, Equations gives them a place to compete, belong, and grow,” she said. “It pushes their math skills to new heights and helps build meaningful connections. I especially love seeing our older students mentor the younger ones — it creates a sense of community and shared purpose that goes beyond the game.”
