Reaching for Excellence,” is the motto of Carolina Adventist Academy (CAA). They believe that all of the students can achieve their goals. They celebrated Pi Day, an annual event to commemorate the mathematical constant of pi, 3.14, on March 14, 2025. And, they hosted a Math Derby with the help of Willie Walker, also known as “Mr. Math,” along with his wife, Annie. They came to the school and instructed the students on how to do mental math. After the brief instructional session, the students in grades 1-12 participated in the Math Derby, with games such as Place Value, Math Buzz, and Math Relay.
“I really enjoyed Mr. Math; he was very fun and smart. He made mental math fun and not boring,” said Theodore Booker Jr. “We didn’t want him to leave, but we hope he comes back next year.”
The Math Derby tested the students’ ability to process mathematical problems without the use of the calculator, pencil, and paper. Students were able to solve math problems with quickness and ease. Some of the games are designed for individual or team play. “Mr. Math” provides these math strategies in his book, Walker’s Method: A Recipe for Mental Math. In addition to the math excitement, the students enjoyed delicious pie made by Vida Mills, CAA parent/school board member.
“I believe that every child is born with an innate ability that can be tapped by an individual who is willing to help mold and shape their character. In other words, every child has the ability to learn during this process without artificial intelligence (AI),” said Walker.
This was the second annual Math Derby hosted by CAA, and by God’s grace, they hope to have a Math Derby retreat and invite other schools to be a part of the experience.
“Our Math Derbies nationwide are used to motivate students to the point where they want to learn by teaching them speed and basic math problems to solve in their heads without a calculator. Students from all different ethnic backgrounds realize that God has developed their minds to be far reaching what man can possibly ask, think, or imagine, according to the power that works within us,” said Walker.
South Atlantic | June 2025
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