By Katie Vasquez
The champions from elementary schools across the Diocese of Brooklyn were greeted with applause as they entered the gym at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy for the diocese’s annual Math Bee.
Students from various Catholic academies gathered to solve challenging math equations in front of an audience of nearly 200 people.
“I just love doing it, it just makes my brain work and I like that,” said Leon Latayf, a fourth grader at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy.
The competition tested more than math skills. Moderator Timothy Dillon, principal of Good Shepherd Catholic Academy, said the event also strengthens students’ confidence and public speaking abilities.
“I think it’s not just the math, also just the public speaking skill,” Dillon said. “It’s very difficult to do math under high pressure in front of an audience of almost 200 people. So they really do a phenomenal job just gathering that skill.”
Christian Cheng, a fifth grader at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy in Queens, recruited his family to help him prepare.
“My parents were asking me questions from the math bee, and then I had to answer them,” Christian said.
He earned third place and said he enjoyed the structure of the competition.
“I like the rounds. I like the different questions they ask,” he said. “For example, round 10 is division, round eight is addition. So all different things.”
Second-place winner Benjamin Tastaca, a fifth grader at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy, said he did not have a specific strategy heading into the contest.
“I just winged it pretty much all. I studied a bit,” Benjamin said. “I was really nervous but now I feel proud.”
Leon Latayf ultimately took first place for St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy, though he admitted he was unsure of the outcome beforehand.
“I was nervous I was going to lose,” Leon said. “I was really nervous but it was kind of easy.”
Dillon emphasized that every student who stepped onto the stage demonstrated courage.
“It takes a tremendous amount of bravery and courage just to get up in front of all these people,” he said. “So we want to make sure the kids know that they’re all winners.”
Students said they hope to return to the stage next year for another chance to compete.