Indy Standard

William McKinley School 39, part of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), is set to participate in the NBA Math Hoops Global Tournament in New York City for the second year running. Sixth-grader Ileana Mora-Gomez will represent the school at the event.

Jacob Gregory, a sixth-grade teacher who manages the NBA Math Hoops program at William McKinley, has been named one of three 2024 Learn Fresh Outstanding Educators and is the only recipient from Indiana. He will accompany Mora-Gomez to New York City, where they will engage in global activities, including attending the NBA Draft.

NBA Math Hoops employs basketball and NBA/WNBA themes to impart math and social-emotional skills to students from grades four through eight. The initiative includes a board game, curriculum, and community program designed to prepare students for high school mathematics while enhancing self-regulation and executive function across various learning environments.

Launched in 2013, NBA Math Hoops was introduced to Indiana in 2022 through a collaboration between the Pacers Foundation and Eli Lilly and Company Foundation. This partnership aims to strengthen STEM education within IPS and other schools throughout Indiana.

Principal Deana Harger-Perry expressed pride in having a student selected for two consecutive years: “Having a student selected for two years in a row to compete at the NBA Math Hoops Global Tournament in New York is quite an honor for William McKinley.” She highlighted how support from partners like the Pacers Foundation has provided invaluable experiences for both students and staff.

Harger-Perry praised Gregory’s dedication: “Mr. Gregory is committed to the success of the Math Hoops program at our school... Mr. Gregory being chosen as one of three 2024 Learn Fresh Outstanding Educators... is well-deserved.”

The culmination of months of gameplay leads up to the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship. To qualify, students must play at least 25 games and complete ten curriculum units per season while demonstrating growth, sportsmanship, and resilience inside or outside class settings. Eligible students are nominated by their educators before selection from a pool of applicants.

Last year saw Jovana Sekulovski represent William McKinley alongside Gregory at this prestigious tournament. This year's event will take place from June 25-28 during which participants—selected from over 206,000 competing students—will engage with STEM activations alongside key partners while exploring New York City en route towards potentially becoming crowned champions themselves.

Gregory lauded Mora-Gomez's abilities: “Ileana is a rare student who combines exceptional natural ability with willingness... demonstrated excellent sportsmanship.” As former Teacher Of The Year (2023), he noted how such programs offer valuable experiences beyond academic learning alone - fostering belongingness among participating youths too!

“Education doesn’t come with much recognition," remarked Gregory regarding his accolade surprise announcement earlier this month "Math Hoop Club not only enhances fluency/decision-making skills but also provides unique opportunities like attending Pacers games or playing directly on Gainbridge Fieldhouse courts."