Palmerton students took first place against Northwestern Lehigh (33 to 28) and six other school districts during the final competition of the Sixth Sense, held Monday evening at Panther Valley High School. Panther Valley was again the host school for this year's competition, which included students from Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Northern Lehigh, Northwestern Lehigh, Palmerton, Panther Valley, Pleasant Valley and Tamaqua School Districts.

"What is the math term used to describe reducing an equation or fraction to a simpler form by cancellation of common factors or regrouping of terms in the same variable?" That was one of the many questions asked to each team during the three-day competition. Austin Stasko of Northwestern Lehigh correctly answered "simplifying.""All the students worked really hard and did a great job," Sue Becker, co-advisor for the Jim Thorpe team, said. "They trained after school twice a week. These students knew much more than anyone can guess," describing them as "little sponges."She pointed out the comradery among the local schools, explaining that two Jim Thorpe schools, Penn Kidder and L.B. Morris, came together only a week before the competition to train."The event went really well," said competition organizer Mark Lavine, who is also a Panther Valley coach. "The students were well behaved and did a great job."Palmerton School District's team consisted of students Brady Boehler, Ian Farrell, Sean Hall, Owen Mendes, Colby Moyer and Ryan Yacone. Providing encouragement and support for the team were student advisers Bobbi Yeager and Pamela Storm and school Principals Christine Steigerwalt and Mary Brumbach.Taking second place was Northwestern Lehigh School District, which consisted of students Caleb Bachman, Brian Garbacik, Connor Hart, Erickson Madeira, Austin Stasko and Drew White, with support from student advisers Heather Rice and Justin Arifaj and school Principal Laura Hoppes.Jim Thorpe School District took third place in the competition. Students were Alex Hauck, Trevor Keefer, Mick Rosahac, Jason Scott, Jeremy Vanauken and Chris Williams. Student advisers Heidi Seiwell and Sue Becker and school Principals Brian Gasper and Holly Mordaunt provided support.Jim Thorpe student Chris Williams, 11, son of Dave and Sue Williams of Albrightsville, pointed out that learning the math was one of the challenges of the competition."I was nervous at first, but became calm after answering questions," said Williams. "It was nice to have friends on the same team with me. We had a blast.""I love being around these kids," said Janet Kern, volunteer moderator, who taught classes at the Northern Lehigh Middle School for 35 years. "I'm always in awe at how much they know and I forgot."During the competition students were given an opportunity to pay tribute to friends for their support.Jim Thorpe student Ryan Yacone, 12, son of Mike and Lynn Yacone of Kunkletown, said, "The competition was very fun and I learned things as well." Yacone was proud to specialize in math and science questions.Resa Hall, parent of Palmerton student Sean Hall, 12, said the competition brought the schools together.Lisa Mace, Panther Valley Middle School principal, expressed her appreciation to all the students, parents and volunteers."We had the most wonderful students this year," Pam Storm, co-advisor for the Palmerton team, said. "They weren't afraid to answer questions and take chances. It was also exciting to see such a great family following.""It was a very close competition," Karen Vanauken, mother of Jim Thorpe student Jeremy, 12, said. "The questions were very tough."Joking she added, "This might prepare them for a spot on the Jeopardy game show."