The Subhash Saxena Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Coastal Carolina University will host its 43rd annual Dr. Subhash Saxena High School Math Contest on Friday, March 1, from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in Johnson Auditorium. The purpose of this event is to stimulate and promote interest in mathematics among high school students. Students from 11 South Carolina high schools will compete for awards, prizes, and scholarships in two levels of competition.

The following high schools are scheduled to participate: Academic Magnet High School; Aynor High School; C.A. Johnson High School; Georgetown High School; Green Sea Floyds High School; Hammond School; Mayo High School for Math, Science, and Technology; Scholars Academy; St. James High School; Williamsburg Academy; and Williston-Elko High School.

The contest comprises two levels of competition: Level I and Level II, each with two divisions for small schools and large schools. Individual prizes will be awarded to the top three places in each category: Small Schools, Levels I and II, and Large Schools, Levels I and II. The prize amounts are $100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place.

The University offers a Coastal Scholars Award to the highest-scoring Horry County senior on the Level II test, pending eligibility conditions noted here.

In addition to the competitions, Paul Richardson, Ph.D., professor and chair of CCU’s Department of Chemistry, will provide a presentation titled, “CCU Disease Hunters: Using numbers to understand diseases.” Richardson earned his doctorate degree from University of Alabama Birmingham.

Jamie Hedges, a senior lecturer of mathematics at CCU, will present an afternoon brainteaser activity titled, “The Splendor of the Fibonacci Sequence: Extraordinary or Exaggerated.” Hedges earned a master’s degree from CCU.

Saxena, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at CCU, endowed the fund for the annual math contest that now bears his name. He taught mathematics at CCU from 1973 until his retirement in 2001, serving as department chair from 1987-1993.

The University’s first high school math contest was held in 1979 and had more than 100 student participants. Through the past few years, the contest has attracted thousands of students from across South Carolina.

For more information, visit the math contest website.