Nearly 60 talented young mathematicians from across the region gathered at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County Campus on March 18 to compete in the Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics 7th and 8th Grade Regional Math Tournament.

Students from schools in George, Harrison, Jackson, and Stone counties participated after earning top scores on a calculator-based math test administered at their local schools. This year, over 2,300 seventh and eighth graders from fifteen local schools competed at the school level, with the top two students from each grade advancing to the regional competition. The top two winners from each grade at the regional level will now advance to the state competition at the Mississippi School of Mathematics and Science in Columbus on April 12, 2025.

In addition to competing, students enjoyed a free lunch, commemorative t-shirt, door prize, and the chance to win cash awards for placing in the top three for their grade level.

“This tournament provides students with an exciting opportunity to showcase their mathematical abilities in a competitive and encouraging environment,” said Allison Turley, MGCCC Math Instructor and Regional Math Tournament Coordinator. “Each year, we see students rise to the challenge, and it’s inspiring to witness their hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm for math.”

Now in its 41st year, the Regional Math Tournament has been a long-standing tradition at MGCCC’s Jackson County Campus, reinforcing the college’s commitment to fostering excellence in STEM education.

REGIONAL TOURNAMENT WINNERS 

7th Grade Winners:

• 1st Place ($150) – Jeremiah Baldwin, Biloxi Junior High School
• 2nd Place ($100) – Landon Broom, St. Patrick Catholic High School
• 3rd Place ($50) – Mila Gautrau, Vancleave Middle School
• 4th Place – Sarah Dedeaux, Pass Christian Middle School
• 5th Place – Caleb Dykes, East Central Middle School
• 6th Place – Mac Coffell, North Woolmarket Middle School
• 7th Place – Neal Kish, Bayou View Middle School
• 8th Place – Iyla Lurix, D’Iberville Middle School
• 9th Place – Brady Alexander, Stone Middle School
• 10th Place – McKinnley Gautier, Gautier Middle School

8th Grade Winners:

• 1st Place ($150) – Evan Lajoie, North Woolmarket Middle School
• 2nd Place ($100) – Sebastian Slaydon, Biloxi Junior High School
• 3rd Place ($50) – Tucker Hoffman, Pass Christian Middle School
• 4th Place – Gideon Sibley, Gautier Middle School
• 5th Place – Peyton Reeves, Long Beach Middle School
• 6th Place – Ivie Stockman, Stone Middle School
• 7th Place – Paxton Sengsiry, Biloxi Junior High School
• 8th Place – Rachel Walker, Ocean Springs Middle School
• 9th Place – Eli Sanderson, East Central Middle School
• 10th Place – Jacob Goldin, Bayou View Middle School

The first and second place winners in each grade will represent the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College region at the state tournament on April 12, 2025, at the Mississippi School of Mathematics and Science in Columbus.