Salisbury School Sweeps SU Math Competition

SALISBURY, MD---Some high-powered calculating took place at Salisbury University when 60 students from 20 schools in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia demonstrated their mathematical expertise in the 26th annual Eastern Shore High School Mathematics Competition.

“For twenty-six years we have been inviting students and teachers from the region to campus for a day devoted entirely to the appreciation of mathematics,” said Dr. Kurt Ludwick, who directed the competition with Dr. Barbara Wainwright.  “These days, the students’ participation is especially note-worthy given the current focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education across the state and nation.”

Students completed short answer and multiple choice questions during individual and team portions of the competition.  They also worked on brainteasers such as:  What is the sum of the digits of the largest prime factor of 2009? (For the curious, the answer is 5.)

First place team honors went to Emily Farr, Kyle Lewis, Ezgi Ergun and advisor Stacy Dunne from the Salisbury School.  The second place winner was Gunston Day School in Centreville and third place went to James M. Bennett High School.

In the individual portion of the competition, Ezgi Ergun of the Salisbury School won first place honors.  Runner-up was Jason Donoway of Delmar High School.  Chong Zhou of James M. Bennett too third place.

Other participating schools included Cape Henlopen, Delmar, Indian River, Laurel, Seaford, Sussex Central and Woodbridge in Delaware; Colonel Richardson, Mardela, North Caroline, Parkside, Pocomoke, Snow Hill, Washington and Wicomico in Maryland.

U.S. savings bonds and mathematics-related books were awarded to the top three students, as well as to students on the three best teams.  Certificates of participation and commemorative T-shirts were given to all students.

The contest was initiated in 1984 by three SU mathematics professors:  Dr. Homer Austin; Dr. Robert Tardiff, who is now associate provost; and the late Dr. Bob Ehrlich.  This year’s competition was sponsored by Delmarva Power and SU’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

“Delmarva Power believes in supporting education-enhancing activities, and this competition certainly underscores the importance of a solid math education in today’s society,” said Matt Likovich, community and communications coordinator.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Math Competition website at www.salisbury.edu/mathcosc/HSMC.