Hawken Mathlete Competes at Nationals in Orlando

For the first time since 1992, Hawken School was represented at the National Mathcounts Competition, which was held May 6-9 in Orlando, Florida. Earning his way to this contest, Elliot Glazer `14 had placed second in the state of Ohio and thus became one of a team of four students to represent our state at the national level. A team of four from every state, as well as teams from the Virgin Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, Department of Defense, and State Department participated in the event. For all 56 teams and 224 students, as well as family members, coaches, teachers, friends, and guests, attending the 2010 Raytheon Mathcounts Competition was an electric experience. The Raytheon Corporation employs more than 70,000 engineers in 88 different countries around the world, and President and CEO, William Swanson, rededicated his company to assuming title sponsorship through 2014. The purpose of Mathcounts is to promote student interest and education in mathematics as the cornerstone of skills in reasoning and problem-solving that leads to discovery and innovation. Being part of this endeavor incorporates Hawken into a magnanimous, nationwide movement toward challenging Middle School students to reach high levels of mathematical understanding and mental agility. All competitors were required to take written tests, both individually and as a team, that challenged them to complete advanced problem-solving applications within a time frame totaling just over two hours. For the top twelve students, a fast-paced, oral Countdown Round followed in the afternoon. The next morning, the top four mathletes were given eleven minutes to present their approach and solution to a problem before a panel of three college mathematics professors during the Masters Round. To watch these students perform and think adeptly under such pressure was truly awe-inspiring. Nonetheless, these kids LOVE math and call it FUN. They were treated to a well-deserved trip to Disney World where they experienced "The Sum of All Thrills" at Epcot Center, as well as Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom. This was a family celebration as well, and Elliot`s parents, sister, and grandparents shared the excitement with him. Placing in the top 34% with a ranking of 76 and helping the Ohio team to achieve 16th place, Elliot`s talent in mathematics, as well as his passion for self-challenge, were vindicated. Hawken is very proud of Elliot, and we heartily congratulate him for his dedication to learning, his honorable character, and his awesome achievements. To catch a glimpse of Elliot and a sense of the excitement at the 2010 Raytheon National Mathcounts Competition, click on either link below. The 2010 Raytheon Mathcounts highlights video has been posted on the Mathcounts YouTube page and the Mathcounts Facebook page.