DepEd lauds public school whiz kid of Jakarta math, science olympiad
A grade six pupil from Pagadian City Pilot School won in the Science Division of the 4th International Math and Science Olympiad (IMSO) held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Jesli Lapus commends Angelique Joy Virata, or April, for winning a bronze medal in the Science division of the competition against pupils from other countries.
She competed against students from the host country, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, China (Taiwan), Malaysia, Brunei, and Sri Lanka.
April also won a merit award in the International Math Competition (IMC) held in Singapore last August 16 to 21, 2007. Her most recent achievement is being among the top finalists in the National Quiz Bee held in Tagaytay City earlier this month.
“April made us proud,” Lapus said. “She proves, not once but twice, that our students can be at par with the best of Asia,” he added.
Known as a gifted student, April has represented her school in numerous contests since third grade. Out of 297 students in her batch, she is also a potential valedictorian and plans to study in Philippine Science High School for her secondary education.
“This significant achievement further inspires us in the department to work harder to improve the performance of our students,” Lapus stressed.
The Zamboanga-based Mathematics Trainers Guild, Philippines and some DepEd officials supported the Philippine delegation.
IMSO is an international Mathematics and Science competition for elementary pupils. It was held in Hotel Nikko, Jakarta, Indonesia last November 12 to 17, 2007.
“She attests to what perseverance can achieve, and we at the department are working hard to ensure that doors are opened to these children who carry so much potential,” Lapus said.
END
