On Thursday, April 4, Blaine High School had 12 students compete in the St. Cloud State University Math Competition. Out of the 12, Alex Vanyo (9) and Ryan Schmitz (11) were recognized for their outstanding math skills.
Vanyo (9) scored in the top 5% of all 9th graders, placing 4th out of 184 freshmen.
Schmitz (11) placed in 3rd place out of 132 juniors.
Mrs. Dorsing and Mrs. Vos, are the coaches of the math team. “Coaching the math team is a fun experience that keeps my math skills sharp and stretches my own math skills. It is a lot of fun because Mrs. Vos, the other math team coach, and I get to work with such bright students who are great at thinking “out of the box”. It is also a lot of fun to get to know the students on the team.” Dorsing says.
When asked how often she wishes students involved in academic activities were recognized for their achievements, Dorsing says “I would love to hear more about students who excel at academic activities – like speech, math team, robotics, HOSA, DECA, art, or any of the many competitive activities. I think that advisors generally do a great job at sharing with the staff about students who earn top honors.”
“I think if we could do a better job of sharing their success with the rest of the students, it might encourage kids to join these activities… By recognizing students in academics, we not only highlight their achievements much in the same way we highlight student athletes (who are also very dedicated and deserving of recognition), but we also show that it’s ok to be smart and good at something that is not a sport.” Dorsing adds.
“The BHS math team is an awesome group of some of the brightest students I have ever worked with. They are hard-working and dedicated. It has been my pleasure and honor to be one of their coaches these last 4 years. I look forward to many more seasons to come.” Says Dorsing.
Schmitz (11) and Vanyo (9) are examples of how young leaders with growing minds and natural ability, properly nurtured, can succeed. Blaine High School is lucky to have students of such caliber representing them.
Congratulations to Ryan Schmitz (11), Alex Vanyo (9), Mrs. Dorsing, Mrs. Vos, and the rest of the BHS Math Team for having a great season!