Kromrey Middle School students from the Cubetastic @ KMS speedcubing club are preparing to take part in the Midwest Cubing Association’s Madison 2026 competition at Monona Terrace, with the first round scheduled for Saturday, May 9 and final rounds on Sunday, May 10.
The upcoming event highlights student engagement in extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities, which are promoted by the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District according to its official website. Participation in such events allows students to develop skills beyond academics and connect with peers who share similar interests.
Aarush Peddapati, a fifth grader who started the club earlier this year, has been helping train members for the competition. His mother, Padmini Chintakayala, serves as club advisor. Seven of the club’s thirteen members will compete alongside Aarush’s sister Aarna, a first grader at Pope Farm Elementary School and previously recognized as Wisconsin Speedcubing Championship’s youngest participant in 2025. Peddapati said about advancing through rounds that “the second round is highly competitive, but that’s ok because we can race against our own personal best.”
Club members have been meeting weekly after school for practice sessions. Their confidence is growing ahead of their first major competition. “Overall, pretty excited and pumped up,” Peddapati said about how his teammates feel going into the weekend. Recently, experienced speedcubers Zeke Mackay and Simon Kellum visited one of their meetings to offer advice on preparing for competitions.
According to its official website, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District maintains facilities supporting education from early childhood through high school with an emphasis on literacy, math programs and social-emotional learning according to the district. The district also achieved top ACT composite scores among public non-charter schools in Dane County and statewide according to district data.
Peddapati expressed enthusiasm about sharing this experience with classmates: “I am very excited to have my friends and fellow Kromrey students with me this time,” he said. “I didn’t know anyone in these competitions before other than my little sister. Now we both are excited to have a full group to hang out with!”
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District serves communities in Middleton and Cross Plains under Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue according to its official site. The district aims to prepare students for global challenges while fostering local inspiration.
