Ryan Li '28 Qualifies for Junior Mathematical Olympiad

Each year, the Mathematical Association of America holds a series of contests to identify the top mathematicians in the country, narrowing a pool of roughly 90,000 students to a nationwide group of 500. One of those students this year is Ryan Li ’28 who qualified for the USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO) for 9th and 10th graders. This is the first time in over 25 years that a Belmont Hill student has been selected for this prestigious exam.

“I've been working with Ryan since he started here in Form I, and he has been an incredibly dedicated and inspired student every step of the way,” says Math Teacher Will Speer. “He is a creative and flexible problem-solver who never backs down from a challenge, and he is constantly seeking out opportunities to learn more and expand his horizons.”

The USAJMO will take place on March 21 and 22 in a six-question, nine-hour competition. (Samples of the mathematical depth and intensity of the competition can be found in last year’s questions.)  While that may seem intimidating for the average math student, Mr. Speer believes part of what makes Ryan special is how he pursues excellence "for the love of the game." 

“Perhaps what I admire most about Ryan is that he has a genuine love of math and desire for self-betterment. Ryan is proof that through hard work and patience, results will follow.”

While competing in the USAJMO is an incredible individual achievement, it’s only part of what Ryan brings to campus each day. As a three-sport athlete, musician in the orchestra, and leader of Math Club, Ryan’s collaborative spirit impacts the community in countless ways. “Ryan is always supporting and encouraging his peers, eager to share his knowledge and celebrate others' accomplishments just as much as his own,” Mr. Speer said. “He is an ideal role model and I am thrilled that he has earned this recognition.”