Computing in Competition: Students Participate in Math League

Dan Wiederkehr, Upper School Math Teacher, reports that several students competed well in the Math League through qualifying rounds and then at State.

Prithvi Dhanabal ’21, Tianhao (Jack) Xie ’22, and Henry Clay ’24 qualified for the Math League State Competition by competing in an online Math League state qualification competition the week of March 8. Within their respective grade levels, Clay and Xie each placed 1st and Dhanabal placed 2nd. Among all competitors, Xie was the top-scoring individual with Clay and Dhanabal placing 3rd and 5th respectively.

Thanks to Mr. Wiederkehr for sending in this “action shot” of the Rams competing in Math League.

The Missouri State Math League State Championship was held online on Saturday, April 17. Although the room was quiet, the air crackled with energy as the competitors worked their way through problems. Clay placed 7th amongst freshmen and tied for 20th overall, thanks to a target round score of 40 points that was tied for the 4th best score and 2nd for freshmen in that event. Dhanabal and Xie also had respectable finishes of 12th and 14th in their respective grade levels. As a team, the Rams finished with the 12th highest score of all competing schools from the state.

Wiederkehr said, “These three gentlemen came to the majority of competitions over the course of the year and would even meet with me on Zoom during their free time to talk math and solve problems. I appreciate them giving up five hours on a Saturday to take math tests. The competition is mentally draining; the problems require students to pull from many topics in mathematics and apply concepts in unique ways. I am proud of the time and effort they and the other members of the math team have put in this year and I hope that the team can build on this success.”

Unfortunately, only the top six individuals automatically qualify for the U.S. National Math League Championship, but we are still proud of these amazing students. Great job, Rams!