Lee University recently hosted its 11th annual High School Mathematics Competition, welcoming approximately 80 students and teachers from seven regional schools.
 
Participating schools included Bradley Central High School, Cleveland High School, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Collegedale Academy, Northwest Whitfield High School, Sweetwater High School, and Walker Valley High School.
 
The event began with registration and breakfast, followed by a welcome from Lee President Dr. Phil Cook. Students then competed in a three-part exam featuring free-response questions, multiple-choice problems, and a challenge problem. After lunch, participants attended a panel discussion and an interactive mathematics presentation before concluding the day with an awards ceremony.
 
“The mathematics competition provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate creativity and curiosity in mathematics,” said Dr. Laura Singletary. “Beyond the exam, students explore the beauty and depth of mathematical thinking through experiences that extend beyond the traditional high school curriculum.”
 
Dr. Michael Franklin, professor of computer science at Lee, led a panel titled “What Is It Like to Be a Mathematical Sciences Major?” featuring Lee student panelists Isaiah Brown, Eli Cornett, Brie Patterson, and Rylee Wells. Dr. Debra Gladden and Singletary, mathematics professors and event coordinators, presented an interactive session, “Keeping Secrets Secret: The Mathematical Art of Making and Breaking Codes,” introducing students to concepts in cryptography.
 
“Participants benefit from engaging with undergraduate mentors and faculty, gaining insight into what it is like to study mathematics at the collegiate level,” said Singletary. “These experiences help students envision their own future in the field.”
 
Northwest Whitfield High placed first in the team competition, followed by Cleveland High in second and Collegedale Academy in third. Individual honors were awarded to Ryan Climer of Northwest Whitfield High School (first place), Aiden Samonek of Cleveland High School (runner-up), and Benjamin Hamstra of Collegedale Academy (best underclassman).
 
“Our students love this competition and look forward to it every year,” said Valerie Capps, a math teacher at Cleveland High School and adjunct math instructor at Lee. “It’s a fun, impactful experience that gives them the chance to engage with challenging problems, connect with Lee faculty and students, and see firsthand what Lee has to offer.”
 
The competition is organized annually by Singletary and Gladden, with support from faculty, staff, and student volunteers. Organizers say the event continues to strengthen relationships with area schools while introducing prospective students to Lee’s academic community.

For more information about the competition, contact Gladden at [email protected] or Singletary at [email protected].

For more information about Lee’s Department of Mathematical Sciences, visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/arts-sciences/mathematical-sciences/.