Loma Alta Middle School Student Kyron Tennison Qualifies for National Abacus Bee in Louisville
Kyron Tennison, an 8th grade student at Loma Alta Middle School in Medina Valley ISD, has earned a prestigious spot at the American Printing House National Abacus Bee, set to take place in Louisville, Kentucky. Tennison secured his place by taking first place at the Region 20 Abacus Bee, emerging as one of the nation’s top-scoring competitors.
The National Abacus Bee, hosted by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), is a unique and highly competitive contest that showcases the mental math skills of blind and visually impaired students from across the United States. Unlike traditional math competitions, the Abacus Bee relies on the Cranmer Abacus, a tactile math tool that has long been used by visually impaired students to perform arithmetic operations swiftly and accurately.
To qualify for the national event, students must first compete at the regional level and achieve one of the highest scores in the country. Tennison’s first-place finish at the Region 20 Education Service Center competition, which includes school districts across South Central Texas, earned him national recognition and the opportunity to represent both Loma Alta Middle School and Medina Valley ISD on the national stage.
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Founded to celebrate the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities of students who are blind or visually impaired, the National Abacus Bee promotes math literacy, self-confidence, and academic achievement. The competition has grown in prestige and participation over the years, drawing attention to the innovative ways students with visual impairments excel in STEM education.
Louisville, home to the American Printing House for the Blind, will welcome Tennison and other top finalists for the culminating event. APH has long been a leader in educational resources and technology for individuals who are blind or have low vision, and the Abacus Bee is one of its hallmark programs.
As Tennison prepares for the national competition, the Medina Valley community celebrates his hard work, resilience, and academic excellence. His advancement not only marks a personal achievement but also highlights the strength of support systems for visually impaired students across Texas.
Families and educators interested in learning more about the Cranmer Abacus, APH, or how to get involved with the Abacus Bee can visit aph.org for more details.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
