Ten MMI Preparatory School students placed in the top three within the school’s competition on the Mathematical Association of America’s American Mathematics Competition 8 (AMC 8). The annual AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills.
In the eighth grade competition, Grant Warren placed first, Philip Byriel and Marcus Kassick were second and Kai Mele, Adam Tron and Abigail Walters finished third. In the seventh grade competition, MMI’s overall school winner Charles Dick placed first, Hannah Falatko and Kevin McNulty were second and Hunter Blasko came in third.
Charles Dick is the son of Norman and Tara Dick of Sugarloaf and Grant Warren is the son of Richard Warren and Atty. Rebecca Warren of Danville. Hannah Falatko is the daughter of Robert Falatko and Christine Falatko of Freeland, Kevin McNulty is the son of Kimberly McNulty and Timothy McNulty of Forty Fort, and Hunter Blasko is the son of Mark and Susan Blasko of White Haven. Philip Byriel is the son of Julia Byriel of Mountaintop and the late Kim Byriel, Marcus Kassick is the son of Danielle and Angel Morales of West Hazleton, Kai Mele is the son of Michael and Laurie Mele of Jim Thorpe, Adam Tron is the son of Dr. Eduardo Tron and Dr. Graciela Bianco of Mountaintop, and Abigail Walters is the daughter of Teisha and Christopher Hardy of White Haven.
The AMC 8 examination tests mathematical problem solving with arithmetic, algebra, counting, geometry, number theory, and probability, with far more cross-over between the subject areas than in nearly all classrooms. The exam provides students with an opportunity to apply the concepts taught at the junior high level to problems which not only range from easy to difficult but also cover a wide range of applications. Many problems are designed to challenge students and to offer problem-solving experiences beyond those provided in most junior high school mathematics classes. High scoring students are invited to participate in the AMC 10.
A special purpose of the AMC 8 is to demonstrate the broad range of topics available for the junior high school mathematics curriculum and has the potential to increase the perceptions of the importance of problem-solving activities in the mathematics curriculum. Additional purposes of the AMC 8 are to promote excitement, enthusiasm and positive attitudes towards mathematics and to stimulate interest in continuing the study of mathematics beyond the minimum required for high school graduation.
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