Student 'Mathletes Get Set for Annual Competition

In less than two weeks, some of Manhattans finest young minds will spend the morning in a battle of the brains at Columbia University. The Department of Mathmatics will host the 12th Annual Mathcounts Manhattan competition from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 12.

New York, (PRWEB) February 6, 2005 -- The competitions aim is to bring together middle school youth who aim to go beyond minimum academic requirements. Mathcounts is about raising the bar for students," said Jeremy Edmunds, Mathcounts Manhattan coordinator. It augments standard curricula so that gifted pupils are not under challenged."

Students will compete individually and as teams in written and fast-paced oral matches. Subjects include algebra, probability, statistics and geometry. Winners will advance to the state competition Albany. All participants will receive day passes to Chelsea Piers.

A total of 105 students on 26 teams from 17 schools -- including Mott Hall School, United Nations International School, MS54 Booker T. Washington School, Park East Day School and Young Womens Leadership School-- are taking part in this years competition.

Sheila Krilov, coach of last years winning Hunter College High School team, and her students are optimistic going into this years competition. I think Hunter has a great team again this year," she said. Kevin Kwok is returning - he did impressively well as an alternate last year and he hopes to do even better this year. The excitement level is very high."

While registration for student scholars has ended, volunteers are still needed to help run the competition. In addition to a free T-shirt, volunteers get to bear witness to a truly amazing event. Ive been a Mathcounts volunteer for over five years, and Im still amazed by the little geniuses," Edmunds said."

Sponsors are also needed to help with the continued funding efforts of the program.

Founded in 1983, Mathcounts is a nationwide program that promotes math excellence in middle schools. The program, which has grown to reach more than half a million students, strives to raise the education bar by motivating students interested in improving their math skills in a friendly club environment.

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