Cole McAnany, an 8th grade student at Ephrata Middle School, has earned a perfect score in the prestigious Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS®). This accomplishment places Cole among the elite group of 201 students - the top 2% - nationwide who achieved perfect scores in his division.
Cole admits feeling both “surprised and not surprised” with his score. “I felt like I could get a perfect score because I have been competing in Math Olympiad since 5th grade,” he said.
Ephrata Middle School teacher Mr. Adam Zeni administers the Math Olympiad to approximately 30-40 students every year and has never seen a perfect score. “It is a rare occurrence. Cole is a mathematician; he can see a problem, and most likely solve it in his head with minimal or no work. It served him well in this competition, and I am very proud of him,” shared Mr. Zeni.
The Mathematical Olympiads, founded by Dr. George Lenchner, is a renowned competition that challenges students with complex mathematical problems, fostering a love for mathematics and encouraging critical thinking. Dr. Lenchner, a distinguished mathematician and educator, established MOEMS® to inspire young minds and promote excellence in mathematics education.
This year, the Olympiad saw participation from 84,530 students in grades K-8, with 74,857 students recording scores. Among these, 17,888 students were from grades 6-8, highlighting the competitive nature of the event. Cole's perfect score is a testament to his dedication and exceptional mathematical abilities.