MURFREESBORO, NC –On March 24, 2017, 395 elementary, middle, and high school students from 21 schools flooded the Chowan University campus, eager to participate in the qualifying round of the North Carolina State Math Competition, hosted by the Chowan University Department of Mathematics for the 31st consecutive time.

Every row in Turner Auditorium of McDowell Columns Hall was filled shoulder to shoulder. In fact, the balcony was opened to accommodate the overflow of students and administrators. Although the competition is designed primarily for middle and high school students, several elementary school students participated as well. Schools traveled from as far as the Outer Banks to attend the event. Everyone was eager to partake in a day of math and friendly competition.

Students were divided into four levels: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Comprehensive. Each student took a 30-question multiple-choice exam, with winners determined by the number of correct responses. Anticipation was high as students awaited the announcement of first, second and third place awards conferred in each division for both individual and team categories. Participants cheered on their teams and their friends as the following results were announced:

Team Awards

Level 1 Middle School

1st Place- Northeast Elementary/Middle School

2nd Place- Nash Central Middle School

3rd Place- Moyock Middle School

Level 1 High School

1st Place- Bear Grass Charter School

2nd Place- Manteo High School

3rd Place- Pitt County Schools Early College High School

Level 2

1st Place- J.H. Rose High School

2nd Place- Currituck County High School

3rd Place- First Flight Middle School

Level 3

1st Place- J.H. Rose High School

2nd Place- Manteo High School

3rd Place- Franklinton High School

Comprehensive

1st Place- Cape Fear Academy

2nd Place- J.H. Rose High School

3rd Place- Franklinton High School

Outstanding Middle School

Northeast Elementary/Middle School

Outstanding High School

J.H. Rose High School

Dr. Thomas Whitaker, Chair, Associate Professor of Mathematics, and Director of the Honors College, has been the coordinator for the Chowan contest since 2003 and will lead the effort again next year. Those interested in participating next year may contact Dr. Whitaker at whitat@chowan.edu or (252) 398-6344.