Math competition draws students to ESU

For nearly 600 students from 45 Kansas high schools, the competitive focus was on algebra, geometry, math and computer programming problem solving. Even so, there was cheering and photo-taking from the sidelines of the Donald L. Bruyr Mathematics Day competition at Emporia State University Wednesday, Oct. 28.

“Math usually isn’t a spectator sport, but you see students cheering for their fellow classmates and getting excited,” said Dr. Connie Schrock, an ESU professor of mathematics, computer science and economics. Schrock said the event encourages students to enjoy math.

Students circulated through ESU’s Memorial Union meeting rooms as they participated in individual and team competitions in algebra, geometry, math and computer programming.

“I think they get to see that they know more about math than they think they did. Or in some cases, they learn they need to study a little more,” said Schrock.

Mathematics Day at ESU is held each year in memory of Dr. Donald L. Bruyr, former ESU math professor, who provided the inspiration and leadership for the development of ESU’s Math Day competition.

High schools competing in the 2009 Bruyr Math Day at ESU included Arkansas City, Atchison County Community, Baldwin, Bluestem, Buhler, Burlington, Central Heights, Derby, El Dorado, Emporia, Eudora, Eureka, Flinthills, Frankfort, Hayden, Halstead, Holton, Hutchinson, Independent, Inman, Iola, Jefferson West, Kansas City Christian School, Lansing, Marion, Marmaton Valley, McLouth, McPherson, Mulvane, Newton, Northern Heights, Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe South, Salina South, Seaman, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission North, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission South, Shawnee Mission West, Southern Coffey County, Topeka West, Turner, Washburn Rural, Wabaunsee, Wellsville, Wichita Collegiate, Wichita East, Winfield, and Uniontown.

Last Updated November 2, 2009>