Young Math Whiz Wants to Help Students Ace the Subject

He’s just a few months shy of his 12^th birthday, but Mona Heights Primary student, Mikhail Morris, is already very clear about the career he wants to pursue.

Concerned about the challenge mathematics poses for many of his peers, Mikhail says his dream is to become a teacher of the subject.

Mikhail, who is hailed by his teachers as a top student, is regarded as a math whiz. In fact, he scored 100 percent in mathematics in the 2015 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

“In the future, I would like to be a math teacher, because I am very good at the subject,” the confident young man tells JIS News.

“I know that a lot of people do not do well in this area, so I would want to assist them with it,” he adds.

The head boy impressed guests at the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, July 2, where he so eloquently delivered the valedictory address.

His father, Clyde Morris, who is an information technology (IT) professional, says he knows that some persons would question Mikhail’s desire to be a teacher, but as parents, they encourage him to do what he loves.

“We are not stressing him about that, because if that’s what he loves, that’s what he loves. He could become a math professor, you never know. We know there is so much that he can do,” Mr. Morris says.

In addition to his perfect marks in math, Mikhail scored 100 per cent in English, Social Studies, and Communication Task, and 98 per cent in Science. These impressive scores earned him a spot at his secondary school of choice, the prestigious St. Andrew-based Campion College.

Mikhail was also a member of the Mona Heights Primary Junior School’s Challenge Quiz team, which placed third in the competition. He had responsibility for the mathematics questions.

“We are very proud of him. We knew he was going to do well on the GSAT,” Mr. Morris tells JIS News.

He describes Mikhail as quiet, disciplined and very focused on his school work.

“When he has work to do, you don’t have to tell him to do it. He will pressure you to help him with it if he can’t complete it himself,” Mr. Morris says.

He notes that Mikhail also uses resources on the internet to solve math problems. “He is hungry for knowledge and good at searching for knowledge by himself,” he points out.

For Mikhail, who has two younger siblings also attending Mona Heights Primary, there is no huge secret to his success. He says he just studies very hard, sometimes staying up late into the night, and he always puts God first.

Mikhail tells JIS News he is also motivated by persons he knows, who have accomplished great things through hard work.

He encouraged students, who are underperforming, to work as hard as he does to be able to do well in school. “In my opinion, I would tell them to work harder, study more, play less and always put God first in their life,” he advises.

Mikhail used his valedictory speech to express gratitude to the teachers and parents, who have supported the graduating class, as well as to highlight the milestones and successes of the school and its impact on their lives.

Meanwhile, Mr. Morris said he envisions even more success for his son.

“I just hope he continues to do well. I know that Campion is one of the most competitive schools in the country, and I just hope that at Campion he will continue to shine and do well,” he says.