Central high school graduate places sixth nationwide in math competition
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- Recent Central High School graduate Zeke Simpson is heading to the international stage after earning sixth place nationwide in a national math competition for 12th graders.
Simpson competed against students from across the country in advanced problem-solving rounds that tested speed, accuracy and critical thinking skills.
His top-10 finish secured him an invitation to compete internationally this July in Bali, Indonesia. He’ll also have the option to participate virtually in the competition.
“It's kind of like a stepping stone. Sophomore year, we made it to state, then junior year I made it to nationals and then this year as a senior I have made it to internationals,” Simpson said.
After this, he’s headed to the University of Missouri, where he plans to study applied mathematics.
He’s already preparing for the future by teaching himself material for actuarial exams, since becoming an actuary is his long-term goal.
Most of the competitions he takes part in are centered around solving math problems.
“There’s not a whole lot of proofing, which is what a lot of higher-level mathematics competitions are, but this is really just answering questions,” he said.
He remembers competing at nationals last year and constantly being handed more worksheets as students worked through problems.
For Simpson, math has always been more than just a subject in school.
"Probably more than anything. I have always had a natural talent for it, but also being able to apply it to real-world things is very enjoyable,” Simpson added.
His math teacher, Danyelle Gonzales, has taught him since his freshman year and remembers immediately recognizing his potential.
She said it was unusual for a freshman to be placed in her Algebra 2 class.
“He rocked that class, and that was my first experience with him, and then we started math club that same year and he started coming and we have definitely progressed over the years,” she said.
According to Gonzales, competing at nationals had always been one of Simpson’s goals. After watching him grow over the past four years, she believed he’s destined for even bigger accomplishments.
She explained how the competition at Northwest Missouri State University featured several rounds, including a sprint round focused on speed and accuracy.
“Then there was a target round which was an individual round where they get two questions and a little more time because it's more in-depth,” Gonzales said.
She said she’s excited to see what Simpson accomplishes next and where life takes him in the future.
Gonzales added how reaching this level takes dedication and self-motivation, qualities Simpson has consistently shown throughout his high school career.
