West High School math team wins state competition under Coach Todd Badri

The Salt Lake City School District Board meeting on May 6, 2025, highlighted the achievements of West High School's Math Counts team, showcasing the students' exceptional performance in state competitions. Coach Todd Badri introduced the team, emphasizing their hard work and talent, despite challenges faced earlier in the year, including a lack of a dedicated math coach.

Badri praised the students, particularly Ian Kim, a ninth grader who played a crucial role in maintaining the Math Counts program during uncertain times. The team of four—comprising A Shida Mandewal, Ethan Kim, Frederick Powell, and another student—secured first place in the state competition, a notable achievement given the competitive nature of mathematics in Utah. Additionally, Aditi Naga Lingam, who participated as an individual, ranked in the top ten, further demonstrating the team's strength.

The meeting also noted that West High School excelled in the state math competition, with students A Shida Adwita and Tana Shetty achieving first place in the junior division. Tana Shetty received an invitation to the USA Math Olympiad, a prestigious opportunity for young mathematicians.

Looking ahead, Badri announced plans for a trip to Washington, D.C., where the top performers from the state will compete. He expressed gratitude for the district's support of mathematics programs, which have enabled these students to thrive. The meeting concluded with a celebration of the students' accomplishments and the importance of continued support for educational initiatives in the district.