MS students take on Math Olympiad challenge

    
Several students from Skaneateles Middle School were among the nearly 150,000 students worldwide to participate this year in the Math Olympiad program.  They participated in a series of five monthly contests of five problems each, from November to March, and practice sessions under the supervision and coaching of teacher Carrie Viggiano.  During the practice sessions, the group worked corroboratively to solve unusual and difficult problems and to think creatively.  the team included Alex Aureden, Ashton Bennett, Hannah Boyer, Joey Bruna, Ken Byrne, Minne Carroll, Nicholas Galbato, Owen Gay, Max Keller, Spencer Mack, Jillian Scott, Justin Shadle, and Lili Winkelman.
The students responded well and were recognized with certificates for their participation.  Seven of the mathletes won national awards for excellence within Division M for grades 6-8.  An embroidered felt patch is awarded to those in the top 50% of all participants, including the following students:  Ashton Bennett, Joey Bruna, Nicholas Galbato, Ken Byrne, Owen Gay, Max Keller, and Lili Winkelman. 
The team had a three-way tie for top scorer!  Ashton Bennett, Joey Bruna and Nicholas Galbato all received trophies for their scores of 13 out of 25 possible points.
Each year the Math Olympiad serves over 100,000 students on nearly 5000 teams nationally and about 50,000 students on 1000 teams in more than 30 countries.  Since 1979, it has provided challenging, thought-provoking problems that stretch the abilities of students in grades 4 to 8, strengthening their foundation for both assessment tests and more advanced studies.  “Our children have responded to the challenge with eagerness and enthusiasm,” said Viggiano as she reported the results. “Congratulations on a job well done!”