More than 200 middle school students represent 19 schools at LSMSA math competition

Named for LSMSA’s former math and computer science department chair and renowned mathematician Mike McGrath, the math competition offered middle school students the opportunity to compete in individual and team competitions throughout the day. Teams consisted of no more than twelve students and included representatives from each school. Tests did not follow a set curriculum but covered algebra, geometry, and other areas of mathematics, challenging students on their ability to draw from the math concepts they already knew. 

Winners of the event by school were:
•    First place – Caddo Middle Magnet
•    Second place – Natchitoches Central High School
•    Third place – Grace Christian School
•    Fourth place – NSU Middle Lab School
•    Fifth place – Southfield School

Top-placing students in the individual tests were:
•    First place (tie) – Wesley Wynn, Caddo Middle Magnet
•    First place (tie) – Bryan Chen, Natchitoches Central High School
•    Third place – Max Shen, Caddo Middle Magnet
•    Fourth place – Brian Han, Caddo Middle Magnet
•    Fifth place – Boyd Phillips, Grace Christian School

Winners of team tests were:
•    First place – Caddo Middle Magnet, Team A
•    Second place – Natchitoches Central High School, Team A
•    Third place – Grace Christian School, Team A
•    Fourth place – NSU Middle Lab School, Team A 
•    Fifth place – St. John Berchman’s Cathedral School, Team A

Other participating schools were Caldwell Parish Junior High; Church Point Middle School; Donnie Bickham Middle School; East Ouachita Middle School; Lakeview Junior/Senior High School; Morse Elementary School; Natchitoches Magnet School; Pitkin High School; Poland Junior High School; Rosepine High School; Southfield School; St. Mary's Catholic School; and Sterlington Middle School.

“We were thrilled to have so many schools from throughout the state join us for a record turn-out,” said LSMSA Senior Lecturer of Mathematics and Computer Science and Math and Computer Science Department Chair Dave Andersen. “This competition is a great way for students to explore and have fun with their love of math.”

LSMSA is a tuition-free, residential, public high school for high-achieving rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities. The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families in need. For more information about the Louisiana School, including how to apply for the 2023-24 school year, visit www.LSMSA.edu.