News Photo by Darby Hinkley Three Ella White Elementary students ended the school year with impressive performances in Imagine Math. Lana Bruning, front and center, is the highest ranked student in the state of Michigan, with 1,542 lessons passed, followed by Marley Mills, front left, earning second in the state, with 1,261 lessons passed. Mary Fernanda Cunha, front right, is ranked ninth in the state, with 311 lessons passed. They are pictured with Principal Meaghan Black, back left, and Instructional Coach Becky Meyer. All three girls are in Kelly Skiba’s third-grade class.

ALPENA — Three girls in Kelly Skiba’s third-grade class at Ella White are getting statewide attention for their high performance in Imagine Math this year.

Lana Bruning, 8, closed out the school year on Friday with 1,542 lessons passed, ranking her first in the state of Michigan. She is followed by classmate Marley Mills, 8, ranked second with 1,261 lessons passed. Mary Fernanda Cunha, 7, ranked ninth in the state, with 311 lessons passed.

“We are so proud of our Ella White Eagles, and they are soaring above and beyond when it comes to Imagine Math,” said Ella White Principal Meaghan Black. “These three girls, in particular, have done a remarkable job, and have made great accomplishments. We’re really proud of you,” she told the girls as they stood in her office on Friday, the last day of school.

The girls all far surpassed the program goal.

“The goal for Imagine Math, at the end of the year, is to pass 30 lessons for your grade level, to show great grade level growth,” said Becky Meyer, instructional coach at Ella White. “These girls have gone so far beyond. We’re so proud.”

She added that they each put the extra time and work in at home to reach their goals with Imagine Math, which is commendable.

“We’ve never had students get that high before, so it’s pretty remarkable,” Meyer added.

Each of the girls talked about why they worked so hard at the program, and what they liked about it.

“I think it’s just really fun,” Bruning said.

“The math is really easy, and they do the games, and it’s fun,” Cunha said.

“I think it’s easy and fun,” Mills added.

They said it feels good to be honored for their achievements.

“It makes me really happy and excited,” Bruning said, recalling her reaction when she found out she was ranked first in the state. “When I first got there, I was screaming around the house and jumping up and down.”

“I was proud of myself, and happy, and excited,” Mills said.

“I just felt really happy,” Cunha said.

All three girls are considering being teachers when they grow up.

“I was thinking of being a teacher or running an animal shelter,” Bruning said. She has two cats, Sabrina and David.

“I think I’m going to be a vet or a teacher,” Cunha said.

“I’ve been thinking I want to be a teacher when I grow up,” Mills said.

They said their teacher, Mrs. Skiba, has been so helpful to them, and they want to help others learn, too.

“Imagine Math is a supplementary program to our core math program,” Black explained.

The students can participate in the program both at school and at home, as it is available online using their Chromebooks.

Alpena students have performed well across the board in Imagine Math programs, officials from Alpena Public Schools announced this spring.

Imagine Math is a supplemental online learning program that builds problem-solving skills and conceptual understanding aligned to Michigan state standards. The program differentiates instruction for students at all proficiency levels, helping them build confidence and proficiency in mathematical skills.

Elementary students will continue the program during the school year through the fifth grade.