Kansas University sponsored the Math Awareness Month Math Competition last month. Students in grades five through 12 came to Snow Hall to complete five math problems in three different age levels: grades five and six, grades seven through nine, and grades 10 through 12. These papers were graded and closely analyzed by KU professors so that awards could be given to the top students.

This was a wonderful experience for anyone interested in math because the problems were challenging and it gave students the chance to have their papers graded by college professors. Winners received an even better reward, an invitation to the 48th Annual Honors Banquet.

This year’s winners from Lawrence included Victoria Gilman, first place, fifth- and sixth-grade division; Kevin Song, third place, junior high division; Baoqing Zhou, second place, high school division; and Vanessa Schmidt, third place, high school division.

At the banquet, winners got the chance to speak with KU math professors, and the winners were presented with certificates and checks for up to $100. The banquet also included the presentation of scholarships and many other awards for KU students and faculty.

Victoria Gilman, Lawrence Catholic School sixth-grader, is a member of the Journal-World Teen Advisory Board.