The BASIS Independent McLean (BIM) MATHCOUNTS team placed first in the MATHCOUNTS state championships in Richmond, Va. this past weekend; this is BIM’s second time participating and winning in the annual statewide MATHCOUNTS competition. BASIS Independent McLean MATHCOUNTS members, called Team SWEEP to represent a combination of their initials, include: Sam Wang (grade 7), Eleanor Kim (grade 8), Ethan Zhou (grade 7), and Pravalika Putalapattu (grade 8). Team SWEEP is led by Coaches Tyler Sullivan and Dr. Ryan Grove, a BIM math and science teacher. MATHCOUNTS state champions head to the 2018 MATHCOUNTS National Competition in Washington, D.C., May 12 to 15. For more information on BASIS Independent McLean, go to http://mclean.basisindependent.com.

The BASIS Independent McLean (BIM) middle school math team of McLean, Va. earned first place in the 35th Annual Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS Competition for the team category, led by BIM MATHCOUNTS coach, Tyler Sullivan. BIM students, Eleanor Kim, Pravalika Putalapattu, Sam Wang and Ethan Zhou, refer to their four-person math team as Team SWEEP, a name created by the students’ initials.  Fifteen schools competed in The Northern Virginia Chapter 2018 MATHCOUNTS Competition.  For more information on BASIS Independent McLean, go to http://mclean.basisindependent.com.

“We’re very excited to have our students win the MATHCOUNTS chapter championships for the second consecutive year,” said Ron Kim, head of school of BASIS Independent McLean of McLean, Va. “Their preparation and hard work have paid off and will help prepare them for the state contest in March,” said Kim.

Carmello’s of Historic Manassas, Va. got to make special holiday memories with more than 35 BARN Community Housing residents of Bristow, Va., when they dropped off Christmas dinner for the 12 BARN families. Meals included tortellini crema rosa with a variety of salads and desserts. For more information on Carmello’s, go www.carmellos.com.

BARN Community Housing of Bristow, Va. opened its doors to families facing homelessness in 1997. A 501(c)3 secular non-profit, BARN provides clean, safe housing for families in need of a helping hand.  Started by the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, BARN is located on the monastery grounds. BARN is about helping families overcome the obstacles – emotional and financial –empowering these individuals to trust in their own abilities and strive to be the best version of themselves.