For nearly a decade, the S. C. McPherson Junior High School Annual Interschool Mathematics Competition has brought together the best and brightest students from government schools across The Bahamas. The same remained true this year - even as physical attendance was subtracted and the competition took to a virtual platform.
Under the theme ‘Re-imagining Mathematics in A Changing World,’ students from Abaco, New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Eleuthera, and Andros used the game-based learning platform ‘Kahoot!’ to put their arithmetic skills, speed, and correctness to the ultimate test.
The event’s sole sponsor since 2012, Consolidated Water (Bahamas) Ltd. (CWCO) ensured that the competition’s organizers were able to well-prepare and prize each junior high schooler.
Ms. Kiffany Daxon, Mathematics Teacher whose idea instigated the competition said, “Consolidated Water Ltd. has been sponsoring us for years - from the beginning - and we are so grateful because it allows us draw attention to the importance of math, make it fun and to reward the students for their efforts. CWCO’s contribution enables all participants to walk away with something.”
Members of the winning team were awarded with a $100 cheque, a trophy for the school to keep and their own to take home. All participants received a certificate and a gift bag full of school supplies and other goodies.
Before tuning into the competition via Zoom, CWCO Accounts Manager Welliya Cargill and CWCO Operations Supervisor Jeffery Burrows visited the competition host’s school campus.
“In a technologically advanced world, proficiency in mathematics has become the foundation for success in so many career paths, including ones available at CWCO. Beyond this, math is a subject that boosts critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary on a daily basis,” said Mrs. Cargill.
Applauding the students, teachers and administrators involved, she continued, "Consolidated Water Ltd. (Bahamas) sees this competition as both a challenging and entertaining way to ensure that key subjects like math are emphasized. Each year we look forward to supporting the promotion of not only the excellence seen among participants in this math competition, but academic excellence for students across the board.”
Following the virtual event, Mr. Burrows boasted of the quick mental math capabilities displayed by the participants.
“CWCO is proud to sponsor opportunities like this. The S. C. McPherson Junior High School Annual Interschool Mathematics Competition gives students the opportunity to showcase their capabilities. Additionally, it also allows them to recognize their strengths and weaknesses, as well as be inspired to continue in the right academic direction,” he said.
When points from each round of the math contest were summed up, a final score of 33,374 secured Sister Mary Patricia Russell Junior High School in first place. In second came S. C. McPherson Junior High School with 32,421 points. Third, fourth, and fifth place went to the Patrick J. Bethel High School, Anatol Rodgers, and L.W. Young with 32,236; 32,182; and 30,453 points respectively.
