MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—A group of 149 middle school students representing seven area districts put their critical thinking skills to the test Friday, May 8, at the annual Ohio State Marion / Marion Technical College Math Challenge.

The competition concluded with the top nine individual performers walking away with a combined $13,500 in scholarships to both participating institutions.

Students from Elgin, Grant, Highland, Monclova Christian Academy, North Union, Pleasant, and River Valley middle schools participated in the event. The challenge aims to bolster interest in STEM-related fields—science, technology, engineering, and math—which leaders say is vital for the region’s economic trajectory.

“Welcoming so many young math enthusiasts to our campus—and encouraging them to pursue math-driven fields—is essential to the future of medical, scientific, engineering, and industry growth in central Ohio,” said Dr. Jennifer Schlueter, dean and director of Ohio State Marion.

Dr. Ryan McCall, president of Marion Technical College, echoed the sentiment, noting that the community benefits when students achieve at high levels. “These students are superb with bright futures ahead,” McCall said.

Scholarships were awarded to the top three finishers in each grade level. First-place winners earned $1,000 from each college, second-place earned $750 from each, and third-place took home $500 from each.

Individual Results:

  • 6th Grade: Frank Chonko (Pleasant), first; Gaige Oyster (River Valley), second; Audrey Davis (North Union), third.
  • 7th Grade: Brandon Cermak (Grant), first; Zoya Hart-Sedykh (Grant), second; Andy Campbell (Pleasant), third.
  • 8th Grade: Grace Ute (Highland), first; Sidney Shaffer (Highland), second; Bryson Brooks (Grant), third.

In the team standings, Highland Middle School took first place with a score of 155. Grant Middle School followed closely in second with 154, and North Union Middle School placed third with 142.5.

The event was coordinated by a joint faculty committee from both colleges, including David Gorenflo, Tyler Maley, Micah Chrisman, Scott Zimmerman, Jackie Potts, Brian McEnnis, Sally O’Connor, and Thomas Smith III.

Photos: Ohio State Marion/Marion Tech

Six smiling students wearing medals stand on a stage with a black curtain behind them; one holds a trophy and plaque cups in the center-left.
2 place Grant
Group of seven young students on a stage wearing medals; one holds a trophy, posed in front of a black curtain.
3 place North Union
Six smiling teens stand on a stage with a black curtain backdrop, wearing medals; one holds a trophy and another a certificate.
1 place Highland
Three children stand on a stage with awards: left boy in navy Champion hoodie holding a trophy and certificate, middle girl in gray Ohio hoodie with papers, right boy in black hoodie with a trophy and certificates in front of a dark curtain.
6 grade
Three children stand on a stage holding awards and certificates, smiling; black curtain behind them and a wood floor visible.
7 grade
Three kids on a stage posing with awards, standing in front of a black curtain.
8 grade