Fifth Annual High School Mathematics Competition Held at LHU

11/28/2012

Over 150 high school students from Central Pennsylvania recently participated in the Lock Haven University Fifth Annual High School Mathematics Competition. Participating high schools were Bellefonte Area High School, Central Mountain High School, Clearfield Area High School, Hughesville High School, Mount Carmel Area High School, Portage Area High School, and Warrior Run High School.

Hosted by the Department of Mathematics, the competition provided an opportunity for academically gifted students from different high schools to learn more about mathematics, to meet one another, and to engage in friendly competition to test and stretch their skills.

Dr. Muhammad Aslam, associate professor of mathematics and competition coordinator, said “It was amazing to see the excitement and enthusiasm of these talented high school students working hard solving mathematical problems. My goal was to present these young energetic students a platform to express their mathematical skills and to enhance their love for the subject. I am pleased that we at Lock Haven University are able to provide them a great opportunity on annual basis.”

After the individual and group competitions, the students enjoyed lunch in Bentley Dining Hall, followed by a faculty talk “Symmetry in a Puzzle” by Dr. James K. Strayer. The award ceremony was the high point of the event. The winners were recognized, certificates and prizes were awarded by Dr. Zakir Hossain and Dr. James K. Strayer. All participating students received an event t-shirt. First, second, third and fourth place awards were presented for team contests and individual performances in Category I (9-10 graders) and Category II (11-12 graders). Winners were as follows:

Category I, Group Test: First place, Evan Gruss, Alexandra Kissell, and Nicholas Lutz from Portage Area High School; Second Place, Matthew Dabiero, Jane Li, and Josiah Stickles from Bellefonte Area High School; Third place, Keri Bremingen, Marilee Getgen, and Matthew Leonard from Hughesville High School; Fourth place, Charles Harman, Kody Minnier, and Benjamin Nesselrodt from Hughesville High School.

Category I, Individual Test: First place, Josiah Stickles from Bellefonte Area High School; Second place, Matthew Leonard from Hughesville High School; Third place, Natasha Nevis from Mount Carmel High School; Fourth place, Patrick Hiller from Hughesville High School.

Category II, Group Test: First place, Joshua Cetnar, Mitchell Grasser, and Kylie Krout from Bellefonte Area High School; Second Place, Amy Jones, Ben Jones, and Ross Jones from Central Mountain High School; Third place, Mitchel Myers, Chelsea Toner, and Andrew Wheeler from Central Mountain High School; Fourth place, Keri Ford, Lilith McCullough, and Michael Trowbridge from Bellefonte Area High School.

Category II, Individual Test: First place, Michael Trowbridge from Bellefonte Area High School; Second place, Amy Middleton from Central Mountain High School; Third place, Joshua Cram from Central Mountain High School; Fourth place, Joshua Cetnar from Bellefonte Area High School.

Dr. Aslam thanked all those who made the event such a success. Dr. Michael Fiorentino Jr., president of Lock Haven University, Dr. Donna Wilson, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Zak Hossain, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, attended the competition, addressed the students, and provided financial support for the event. The Lock Haven University admissions department also provided financial support and assistance. Dr. Richard Mikula created exams and helped in administering, proctoring and grading tests. Dr. Charles H. Morgan Jr., Chair, Department of Mathematics, addressed the participants and helped arranging refreshments and played his role as a chairperson throughout the entire process from day one. Dr. W. P. Abeysinghe, Dr. T. Sarath Fernando, Professor Emeritus Carol Rehn and Professor Emeritus Mark Seeber assisted with proctoring and grading the exams. Dr. Jacinth A. Maynard also helped grading exams. Dr. Aslam also thanked the math department for their support and attendance, and thanked the LHU mathematics students who helped proctor the exams, assisted with registration, and helped with designing the t-shirts. He also thanked Department Secretary Lisa A. Kiser for all her assistance. Last but not least, Dr. Aslam recognized the Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics (PCTM) for their financial assistance and the important role it plays in promoting mathematics in the United States.

The Lock Haven University Department of Mathematics prepares students for success in their field. Students working toward the B.S. in Mathematics have the choice of three specialized tracks: the traditional track, the actuarial track, and the biomathematics track. In addition, the department offers the B.S. Ed. in Secondary Education with Specialization in Mathematics.

Lock Haven University graduates with a B.S. degree in mathematics find employment in business, government, industry and the actuarial profession. Others have gone on to graduate schools for advanced degrees in the mathematical sciences at schools such as Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, Southern Illinois University, and Michigan State University. Those with a B.S. Education degree have found teaching positions throughout Pennsylvania and the country.