October 26, 2026 - Two fourth-grade students from Rahe Bulverde Elementary School have been selected as 2026 National Math Stars. This honor places them among the top elementary math students across the country.
The students, Carter Baxter and Luke Bentley, are excited to receive this designation and get started with the many benefits it will provide them. National Math Stars is a nonprofit that identifies mathematically extraordinary students and supports them for ten years, through high school graduation. Founded in 2023, the organization now works with schools and districts in ten states.
Baxter and Bentley were selected after a multi-stage evaluation of mathematical aptitude. Fewer than 7 percent of applicants are accepted as National Math Stars.
“I was a little surprised,” says Baxter who is interested in becoming a software engineer. “It confirmed my ability and love for math.”
Bentley, however, explains he failed the first test he took for the program.
“I was very surprised to be named a National Math Star, and I’m proud of myself for not giving up.”
Besides being a Math Star, Baxter plays flag football, jiu-jitsu and baseball, and Bentley plays soccer. Both enjoy solving math problems, explaining that they see them as puzzles and feel motivated and challenged by learning advanced math. They also find ways to help fellow classmates who may struggle with math.
“I like helping others,” says Bentley who is interested in becoming an engineer, “especially since there are many ways to solve different problems.”
As a National Math Star, Baxter and Bentley will receive 10 years of support, including advanced math learning opportunities, mentorship and guidance, financial support, STEM enrichment experiences and more.
“We are very proud of our newest Math Stars,” says Comal ISD Director of GT and Enrichment Sarah King, “and we are grateful to the teachers and family members who helped them get here.”
The GT facilitator at RBES is Allison Bryant, and both students are in Nicole Carroll’s fourth-grade class.
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-Carter Baxter and Luke Bentley