Math Wizard Represents SJNHS Abroad
MERIT AWRADEES AND THE ADVISERS. Paul Lyndon Delos Reyes (first from left front row) and his adviser Mrs. Helen Acedo (fifth from left second row) poses during the awarding of certificates
Bringing back the school to international spotlight, Paul Lyndon Delos Reyes became one of the Philippine’s representatives to the 12th International Mathematics Competition (IMC) held in Singapore last July 29 to August 1, 2016.
A Grade 10 student of San Juan National High School, Delos Reyes was among the thousands of Math enthusiasts from 13 participating countries who battled it out in the annual event this year.
Categorized by grade level, Delos Reyes along with the other contenders had to find solution to an 18-item test of varying difficulty all amounting to 100 points.
“It was nerve-wracking at the beginning because this is actually my first time competing in international level and my first time flying out of the country,” Delos Reyes confessed when asked how he felt about being part of the competition.
Although a first timer, the young Math Wizard didn’t come unprepared for he went through several screenings before being able to join the prestigious event.
Starting from the test administered by the Mathematics Trainers Guild (MTC) in the school
level, Delos Reyes passed several more tests before eventually acing the ‘Young Mathematicians In-Training Program’ held in Baguio City. The 4-day training served as the last screening process deciding who among the students were to be sent abroad.
His selection came as a surprise for it was the first time SJNHS joined the contest and it immediately produced someone who easily became at par with students coming from schools recognized as paragon institutions for their excellence in the field of Mathematics.
Ms. Romalyn Anne Sotelo who served as mentor to Lyndon believes that he is the perfect choice to represent the school.
“He is incredibly good in non-routine Math problems which prove difficult to many. He is diligent in problem solving and it is just fortunate that his parents are really supportive,” Sotelo stated.
This was seconded by Mrs. Ajigida Abelende, Delos Reyes’ grade 8 Math teacher who claimed that the boy is really good in mental computation.
Lyndon meanwhile exclaimed how thankful he was to all his teachers for the initial training and support they had been giving including Mrs. Helen Acedo, Head of the Math Department who accompanied him throughout his stay in Singapore.
Equally supportive was the City Government who sponsored Delos Reyes’ financial needs all throughout his trainings up to his flight which were all made possible through the efforts of the Division Office.
When asked what he enjoyed the most during his stay in Singapore he gushed, “The tours, especially the Autobots ride when we were in the Universal Studios Theme Park.”
Delos Reyes was one of the Merit Awardees during the event’s conclusion, a feat which he is proud of.
This year, the Philippines topped the IMC reaping 26 gold medals and producing two grand champions from different grade levels.
