Two hundred eighty students from sixteen schools in the Central Tech district competed in the 4th annual Math & Engineering Day event at the Drumright campus on March 3.

Participating middle school and high school students could enter Middle School Math, Algebra I and II, Advanced Math, Geometry, and Middle School and High School Engineering contests.

"Our purpose is to hold contests that reward students for good grades and encourage their interest in math and science," said OSSM Regional Center instructor Bryan Kitzrow.

"Middle School students have very few opportunities to participate in such activities as this. Our Middle School Math contest is the only math contest specifically for middle school grades. Algebra I tends to be split between middle school and high school and all of the other contests are high school only," said Kitzrow.

The Engineering half of the day features competition between individuals and teams in racing "rubber band cars" designed and constructed by the students.

While the designs vary widely as to size, length and materials, each is powered for the race by a single rubber band. The races are held in the hallways of Central Tech at Drumright.

Winners in this year's event included:

Middle School Math: Brian Molder, Oilton, 1st place; A.J. Houtchens, Oak Grove, 2nd place; Mary Florer, Lone Star Elem., 3rd place.

Geometry: Alex Bryan, Kellyville H.S., 1st place; Michael O'Dell, Prue, 2nd; Kelsey Smith, Oilton, 3rd.

Algebra I: M.J. Espinosa, Mannford HS, 1st; Robin Sherman, Lone Star Elem., 2nd; Julia Bartlett, Bristow HS, 3rd. Algebra II: Cody Martin, Bristow, 1st; Michelle Connell, Olive, 2nd; Zach Eldredge, Bristow HS, 3rd.

Advanced Math: Jon Brown, Yale HS, 1st; Jacob Greene, Oilton, 2nd; Conner Ledgerwood, Bristow HS, 3rd.