VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | October – December 2022 18 Cont’d from page 17...Herbert Morrison Technical High School Wins 4th Annual UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Competition numbers, functions, probability, polynomials, logic and differential equations. The three top schools received trophies, cash prizes and gifts in kind, provided through the support of sponsors CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Bryan Studios Ltd, H& L Ultimate Touch Promotion and Bureau of Standards Jamaica. All participating students received a Certificate of Participation. The 4th UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition, which had its inaugural staging in 2017 and has been on hiatus for the past two years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, began with the preliminary round comprising nine high schools from across Jamaica on November 26, 2022. The 2022 competing schools were Calabar High, Merl Grove High School, Clarendon College, St. George’s College, Bishop Gibson High School (for Girls), Belair High School, Alpha Academy, St. Jago High School and Herbert Morrison Technical High. Second runner up place was awarded to St. George’s College, while Merl Grove High School rounded out the top four schools. Acting President, UTech, Jamaica, Professor Colin Gyles in his welcome remarks noted that “The UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition is part of the University’s thrust to promote and develop awareness of Mathematics as a tool for problem solving across all disciplines,” adding that, “the Competition is also intended to generate a cultural change and love for Mathematics in Jamaica and to foster an acceptance of Mathematics as a way of life.” Noting that “winning is an attitude of excellence,” the Acting President congratulated all finalists and all participating schools, inviting the students in the near future to apply to UTech, Jamaica to pursue tertiary studies. “There is a place for you here whether in the Faculty of Science and Sport or any of our other 7 Colleges and Faculties covering a wide range of disciplines in Science, Engineering, Computing, Law, Architecture, Business, Dentistry, the Humanities, and other areas,” Professor Gyles stated. Mrs. Ave Maria McIntosh, Head, School of Mathematics and Statistics in giving a background to the Mathematics Quiz Competition, indicated that it was conceptualized from an idea proposed by former President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, as part of the University’s thrust to increase interest and critical thinking skills in Mathematics to promote the importance and development of the subject as a tool for problem solving across disciplines. Mrs. McIntosh also noted that “we also seek to identify gifted students and nurture them, thus promoting national development,” adding that “from this we aim to create Mathematics ambassadors who will spread the love for Mathematics”, creating a Mathematics culture needed for many areas of a country’s development. The inaugural UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition was won by Glenmuir High School in 2017 while Knox College earned the win in both 2018 and 2019. The Ministry of Education and Youth reiterated its endorsement of the UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Competition in greetings brought by Mrs. Camae Johnson-Burrell, Regional Mathematics Coordinator, Region 6 who spoke on behalf of National Mathematics Coordinator, Dr. Tameka Benjamin. She congratulated the University on the Mathematics Quiz Competition initiative, noting its alignment with the the Ministry’s aim to find ways to make Mathematics more “fun, attractive, and less intimidating” especially for students and the wider population of Jamaica, underscoring the subject’s importance as a life skill and its importance for national development. Sponsorship remarks were received from Mrs. Phillipa O-Connor Bennet, Head, Technical Regulations Unit, Bureau of Standards, Jamaica, Mr. Derrick Upfield, Senior Sales Executive, H&L Ultimate Touch Promotions Limited and Ms. Lisa Bryan, Sales and Customer Service Experience Manager, Bryan Studios Ltd. Serving as competition judges were Dr. Binil Sebastian and Mr Dennis Xavier, School of Mathematics and Statistics, FOSS. Timekeeper was Mrs. Tessy Joy, while scorekeepers were Mr. Biju Tom Manianghattu and Mr. Dujon Dunn, SOMAS. Dr. Andrew Lamm (right) Vice-Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport presents the third-place winners trophy to Mikhai Sillpatt from St. George’s High School at the finals of the UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition, December 15, 2022 at the UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. Pictured (l-R, back row) are Jaime Leigh Warren, Danielle White (Mathematics Teacher), Ashani Howard, Raquan Pusey and Gabriella Scott (front row). Mrs. Ave Marie McIntosh, Head, School of Mathematics and Statistics (SOMAS), Faculty of Science and Sport. Mrs. Camae Johnson-Burrell, Regional Mathematics Coordinator, Region 6, Ministry of Education and Youth.
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