Winners announced in 37th annual Sigma Zeta Math-Science Contest

Twelve schools from across Southwest Virginia sent their best math and science students to compete in the 37th annual Sigma Zeta Math-Science Contest at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

The contest, which was divided into large and small school categories, consisted of 70 student competitors.

For the second year in a row, Abingdon High School took first place in the large school division for math. J.J. Kelly High School took second place honors. St. Paul High School won first place in the small school division in math, with Ervinton High School coming in second.

First place in the science category for the large school division went to Tazewell High School with a tie for second place going to both John Battle and Powell Valley. Haysi High School took home first place honors in the small school science division. Second place went to St. Paul.

Although students competed in teams of three, they were also eligible for recognition for outstanding individual performance. In the individual math competition, Ruey Lin of J.J. Kelly High School and Ryan Blanchard of Abingdon High School tied for first place. Second place went to two Abingdon students: Amanda Roberts and Hannah Morgan. Honorable mention was given to Tim McClure and Joe McGraw, both of Tazewell High School; Chris Porter, St. Paul High School; Jacob Castle and Jess Delaney, both of Lebanon High School; Travis Brewer, Abingdon High School; Chase Morelock, Appalachia High School; and Zack Holcomb, Powell Valley High School.

In the individual science competition, A.J. Delauder of St. Paul High School took first place. Albert Smith of John Battle High School took second place honors. Honorable mention was given to Virginia Olmsted, Joe McGraw and Tim McClure, all of Tazewell High School; Ryan Blanchard, Jared Lovett, Amanda Roberts and Mary K. Phipps, all of Abingdon High School; Cory Carlton, Casey Gamble and Zack Holcomb, all of Powell Valley High School; Cameron Curtis, J.J. Kelly High School; Benjamin Miller, John Battle High School; Jess Delaney and Jacob Castle, both of Lebanon High School; and Kayla Swiney, Coeburn High School.

Seniors taking part in the Sigma Zeta contest were also eligible to compete for a Joseph C. Smiddy Scholarship in math and science. Named in honor of UVa-Wise’s first biology instructor and first chancellor, the renewable scholarships provide either $500 or $1,000 per year toward tuition and expenses at UVa-Wise.

Chris Porter of St. Paul was the winner of the $1,000 Joseph C. Smiddy scholarship in math. A.J. Delauder of St. Paul was awarded the $1,000 Joseph C. Smiddy scholarship in Science.

Mary K. Phipps of Abingdon High School and Brette Harding of Powell Valley High School each won a $500 scholarship in science.

Posted November 19, 2007