More than 100 students test math skills in Alfred University’s Nevins competition
More than 100 students from seven area high schools were on the Alfred University campus Friday morning taking a 75-minute, 25-question math test. At stake for participants in the annual W. Varick Nevins III High School Math Competition were cash prizes and thousands of dollars in scholarships.
The Nevins High School Math Competition is sponsored by the Division of Mathematics and Computer Science at Alfred University. High school students from Addison, Alfred-Almond, Allendale Columbia, Hinsdale, Honeoye, Corning-Painted Post, and Whitesville—along with one home-schooled student—participated in the competition.
Alfred University faculty developed the exam questions, which were offered in multiple choice format. Three winners in the sophomore (10th grade and below) category and three more in the senior (11th and 12th grades) category were named, as was an overall team winner: Corning-Painted Post High School.
In the senior category, Julian Petrillo of Alfred-Almond Central High School placed first and won a $100 cash prize and a $10,000 scholarship to Alfred University ($2,500 each year for four years). Hunter Whelpley, also from Alfred-Almond, finished second and won a $50 price and an $8,000 scholarship ($2,000 each year for four years), and Charlie Sherman of Honeoye Central High School took third, winning $24 and a $6,000 scholarship ($1,500 each year over four years).
Three students from Corning-Painted Post High School swept the competition in the sophomore category. Jacob Chung took first place and the $100 top prize; Jiyun Park placed second and won $50; and Tara Hulburt was third and took home a $25 prize.
The W. Varick Nevins III High School Math Competition is open to all high school students. According to organizers, the competition aims to “challenge the problem solving and critical thinking skills of high school students, and to inspire and promote excellence in mathematics.” Questions contained in the exam are based on the first three years of the high school mathematics curriculum. Use of calculators is not permitted.