At the Apr. 8 meeting of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Board of Education, students from James H. Vernon School and Oyster Bay Middle/High School were honored for their participation in the prestigious American Mathematics Competition (AMC). Their involvement reflects not only individual achievement but also the district’s ongoing commitment to fostering academic excellence and a love of learning.
Founded in 1950 and administered by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), the AMC is the premier mathematics competition for students in grades K-12. The MAA is one of the largest global communities of mathematicians, educators, students and math enthusiasts, united by a shared passion for mathematics. The AMC challenges students through rigorous, timed assessments that build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Middle school students compete in the AMC 8—a 25-question, 40-minute exam—while high school students take on the AMC 10 and AMC 12, both 75-minute tests with 25 challenging multiple-choice questions.
Oyster Bay High School students rose to the occasion in both the AMC 10 and AMC 12. Maalika Mehta earned first place in the AMC 10, followed by Madeline Bencal in second place, and Luke Kugler and Elise Kim, who tied for third. In the AMC 12, Jack Sapienza took top honors, with Anastasia Sakellis and Rose Lindstrom tying for second, and Alex Arnedos placing third. These students demonstrated remarkable problem-solving abilities and a deep understanding of advanced mathematical concepts.
At the middle school level, students from both James H. Vernon School and Oyster Bay Middle School proudly represented the district in the AMC 8. This year marked Vernon’s first participation in the national competition, a milestone that reflects the growing enthusiasm for mathematics at the elementary level. Students from both schools approached the challenge with energy and determination, showcasing their analytical skills and perseverance. Participants from Vernon included Jonathan Evers, Mattheos Giorgiou, Blake Hansen, Emma Jorgensen, Connor Leary, Brendan Mollah, Claire Monahan, Emily Morea, Axel Petrara, Sabrina Rella and Caden Walsh, while Benjamin Kansler, Joseph Kopacz, Liliana McEvoy and Layla Zahirovic represented the middle school.
Participating in the AMC is a noteworthy academic achievement. It encourages intellectual growth, strengthens resilience and helps students build the skills necessary to tackle complex problems under pressure. It also enhances college applications, highlighting students’ curiosity, discipline and commitment to excellence. Whether earning a top score or simply embracing the challenge, every student who participated in the AMC should take pride in their accomplishments.
The district congratulates all of the students who took part in this prestigious competition and celebrates their dedication to learning and achievement in mathematics.
Date Added: 4/10/2025