Whiz Kid: Parth Shah, RSM Intermediate

Whiz Kid: Parth Shah

School/Grade: Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School/8th grade

Nominated by: Principal Dr. Richard Jameson, geometry teacher Marlene Greco

Whiz Kid Accomplishment: Qualified for and competed in the American Mathematics Competition at three different levels and scored at the top 2 percent, falling into the Distinguished Honor Roll category.

Key to Awesomeness: Even as a child, Parth Shah had a curiosity and love for math. It began with jigsaw puzzles, Legos, K’Nex toys, Sudoku and chess. During his school years, Parth excelled in math. He now participates in the American Mathematics Competition, a national program that promotes enthusiasm toward math and also aims to stimulate interest in continuing the study of math beyond the minimum required for high school graduation. Parth first tested for the AMC8, the contest for eighth grade and below. He received a perfect score of 25 and was one of the California State winners, receiving recognition at the Distinguished Honor Roll Level, which includes the top 1 percent of testers. Parth was then invited to participate in the next level, AMC10, aimed at 10th grade and below. He tested into the top 2.5 percent  category  and was then invited to participate and compete against high school juniors and seniors in the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination). Parth plans to keep testing and succeeding in this program.

Parth takes extra math classes with Dr. Li at Avid Academy in Irvine; this program is designed for gifted youth with the purpose of learning and solving challenging math problems.

Parth routinely achieves A+ marks in his classes. While math is one of his passions, Parth has many other interests that keep him busy outside the classroom. He plays on club basketball and soccer teams and demonstrates excellent sportsmanship, always keeping a smile whether his team wins or loses. He also takes private piano lessons and paints with oils in his spare time.

He volunteers with the RSM Friends of the Library, and received a California Junior Scholastic Federation award for keeping up with volunteer actvities while maintaining good grades.

When he was younger, Parth thought he might want to be a heart surgeon. Now, he leans in other career directions, such as computer programming. No matter what he becomes, one thing is certain: he will excel at whatever life brings his way. For his outstanding achievement in mathematics and excellence in all he does, Parth Shah is a winning candidate for this week’s Whiz Kid.