GRANTS, N.M. Students of Grants Cibola County Schools (GCCS) from 7th to 12th grades flocked to Grants High School (GHS) on April 17, 2025, for the annual Math Competition, which aims to challenge and recognize students in terms of their math skills. Covering various categories, the competition started with an elimination round that provided students with an hour of pre-selected tests. The event was hosted by Ms. Aziel Amper, a four-year quiz master.
There were 223 contestants for the Quiz Bee and around 30 for both the Sudoku Challenge and the 2048 Challenge. The GHS old gym was quiet, with young math wizards either writing numbers profusely in between short glances at their scratch papers or calculators. Meanwhile, math teachers took turns supervising the contestants, walking the aisles, and updating each other on mechanics.
The board of judges was composed of reputable administrators and educators: Dr. Shafiq Chaudhary, Senior Manager, Math and Science Bureau, NMPED; Ms. Stevy Elkins, Principal, Grants High School; Ms. Francie Lee, President, GCCS Board of Education; and Dr. Marlene Toivanen, Campus Executive and Academic Officer, NMSU-Grants.
This new yet thriving district-wide competition was initiated by Engr. Gabriel Leopando, Department Chair of the GHS Mathematics Department. According to Mr. Leopondo, the motivation is to make the students experience friendly academic competition and to also encourage them to study more for the SAT, which normally occurs around the same time.
Dr. Joysel Pasamonte added, “This year’s math competition showed significant growth, highlighted by the involvement of Dr. Shafiq Chaudhary from the New Mexico Public Education Department, which elevated the event’s credibility and motivated students. Increased engagement, confidence, and collaboration among participants reflected a growing interest in mathematics - this is why we do what we do.”
It was a huge crowd of competitors handled properly; they all wanted to give their best and make the day count. Noncompeting GHS students also came by and sat on the bleachers to quietly cheer on their classmates and friends. Although they say that math is not for everyone, the quiet audience members were seen paying attention and observing as well. One of the busiest members of the core committee was Mrs. Imelda Leopando. When asked how they could pull off this big event so well, she humbly claimed that this is due to team effort.
Witnessing the competition, even as someone who is not a math person, gave a new perspective. It was a reminder that learning takes many forms, and for these students, numbers are their way of trying or winning, and realizing that both are quite the same when done with diligence and joy.