South Middle School produces a young math scholar

Lynbrook South Middle School student Thomas Postiglione is among the 72 students this year named Long Island Young Scholars of Mathematics by the Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at SUNY College at Old Westbury. Through the Institute, he will participate in a 20-week Saturday program in mathematics and mathematical science applications.

To qualify for this honor, Thomas competed against 700 of the top-ranking students nominated from school districts on Long Island. Selection by the Institute implies that the student is among the top one-tenth of one percent in math of all students on Long Island in his or her grade. He was recommended by his former Marion Street School Voyager teacher, Doreen Papa.

Each student is expected to attend 20 Saturday morning classes as well as complete related outside projects. The curriculum will cover mathematical topics from algebra, geometry and number theory not included in the standard courses of study, such as problem-solving applied to probability, drawing of ocean bottom profile, theory of finite differences and mass point geometry. Additionally, selected topics in science will be discussed. Over the years, many of the Institute graduates have gone on to win prestigious awards, including national and international math, science and engineering contests. A number of Institute alumni have been selected as Intel and Siemens awardees in math, science and technology.