Kimball students place top ten in math contest

Nearly two dozen Kimball students placed top ten at the recent West River Math Contest at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, according to teacher Danielle Reader. As part of the Pride in Excellence, the students, along with Reader, spoke to the board regarding their activities and the outcome of the contest.

“We went up there the night before to give kids who may not have been to the area before a little cultural experience ahead of the contest,” Reader said.

Students visited Rushmore Caves, rode a zip line and enjoyed a meal together.

Each Kimball student scored within the top ten in each of their contests, of which there were five: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Math and a Master’s level, according to Reader. Advanced Math includes trigonometry and pre-calculus while the Master’s level focuses on calculus.

“We took Xavier, our seventh grade Algebra II student, and he placed in the top five, which was awarded at the ceremony. He got fourth and Desy Nelson placed fifth in Algebra II,” Reader added.

In addition to the contest, students were given a tour of the campus, for some students, this was the first college campus tour.

Reader concluded that the contest and campus tour seems to be a great recruiting tool for the post-secondary school, as four 2018 Kimball graduates will attend the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology this coming year.