While math is generally considered a burden to high schoolers, freshman Isabella Palit went the extra mile and won the Worcester County Mathematics League (WOCOMAL) competition. 

According to WOCOMAL, at least 101 freshmen participated in the competition which consists of three meets over the course of one school year. The latest meet was on March 24, 2021. 

“Competition math tends to be different from regular, simple math,” Palit said. “It’s more problem solving than regular arithmetic and calculations, and it tends to have more of a challenge.”

Following her win, Palit received $100 from the Tom Severance Scholarship and a small pin. 

“I’m not sure what I’ll do with the money,” Palit said. “Maybe I’ll buy a pair of shoes for next year, something fun to celebrate.”

Palit prepared for the stressful competition using problems from past meets.

“I’m usually stressed [during the competition] because they’re timed, and every minute counts, but right after the competitions, it’s exciting when you find out where you placed and what you got,” Palit said.

Palit plans to participate in more competitions in the future. 

“I’ve participated in some other math competitions this year,” Palit said. “I don’t think there are any for the rest of the year, since most end in May.”

The win came as a surprise to Palit.

“I didn’t expect to win,” Palit said. “The leaderboard is posted throughout the year and is updated after each [meet], and I just checked it on a whim. I was very excited when I found out I was first. I didn’t even realize there was a prize until after I won.”

Palit encourages others to compete if it’s something they’re looking to do.

“Definitely go for it,” Palit said. “There’s really no downside; even if you don’t win, you can learn a lot from the experience.”