An Okanagan College math professor is retiring in style: with a game of numbers. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the British Columbia Secondary School Mathematics Contest, and it was founded and chaired by Okanagan Professor Dr. Clint Lee since its inception in 1990. The event is hosted at Okanagan College.
“I could have retired last year from the College, but I wanted to hang on for just one more year specifically to see the math contest to this important milestone,” said Lee. “It’s a highlight of my career, to know that thousands of students were engaged in mathematics over the course of 25 years, some of whom as a result were inspired to continue their studies at the post-secondary level to become scientists, doctors, and even professors. I am proud to be able to call this my legacy.”
Dr. Clint Lee. Photo credit: Okanagan College Math Department.
On Friday, May 1st, Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus will host nearly 90 of the brightest high school mathematicians from 15 schools in the region for the annual contest.
The contest will be challenging and will test their logic as well as their mathematical skills. Adding a level of challenge to the competition, there will be no calculators allowed.
Top finishers in each category will earn prizes ranging from $50 to $200.
“It’s important for students to have an opportunity to be recognized for their achievements in math, and to see the community engage in the conversation,” added Lee.
Okanagan College Salmon Arm student Jonathan Bakker, studying his Associate of Science Degree, agrees, is excited about this year’s challenge.
“I’ve always been interested in math, but more than that, the contest helped me practice problem solving, time management, and analytical skills which are definitely applicable in my studies at the College, and beyond,” said Bakker. “It’s about trying to approach a problem from different angles and applying different theories to get to the solution.”
“Clint has done tremendous work to foster a keen interest in young students for the mathematics discipline,” said Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton. “We commend him for his dedication, passion, and determination each year to coordinate this event, and going above and beyond his teaching commitments here at the College.”
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