Colquitt County High School students who attended SK Day at Valdosta State University April 25, along with advisers Laura-Leigh Reynolds and Leslie Lauderdale.

VALDOSTA, Ga. — Valdosta State University hosted its 24th annual Sonya Kovalevsky High School Math Day (SK Day) for female students on April 25.  

The day is named in honor of Sonya Kovalevsky, who was the first woman to earn her Ph.D. in Mathematics. It is a hands-on STEM event with workshops, speakers and a contest.  

There were 107 students and teachers from 16 high schools at this year’s SK Day. The co-directors for the day were Denise Reid and Sandy Trowell. Sponsors for the event included the VSU Department of Mathematics, VSU office of Admissions, Publix Supermarket, VSU Office of Sponsored Programs and Research, Hester & Morris Orthodontics, VSU Bookstore, and VSU Graduate School.  

The participants were welcomed by Theresa Grove, associate dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, as well as Shaun Ault, head of the department of mathematics.

There were five workshops during the day. Rena Reid led a workshop titled “Line Robotics.” Reid is currently a dual enrolled student majoring in computer science. She is a senior at Lanier County High School and a sophomore at VSU. Dereth Drake, VSU physics professor, took the students to the physics lab for a workshop titled “Coloring with Electricity.” Joanne Wardell, senior CS student at VSU, taught the participants about 3D printing. Patti Robertson, VSU mathematics lecturer, led a workshop titled “Problem Solving: Intentional, Serendipitous, Crucial; Some Food for Thought.” Martha Leake, astronomy professor, took the students to the VSU Planetarium for a show titled “Our Night Sky.”  

The career speaker for the day was Leah Jones. Jones is a project manager for Altman + Barrett Architects. She is currently based in Atlanta and has been involved in numerous projects including the new Valdosta High School. Ryan Hogan from the VSU Office of Admissions also spoke with everyone about educational opportunities at VSU. There was also a 25 question mathematics contest during the day. The participants had a chance for door prizes at both the beginning and the end of the day.   

Attending from Colquitt County High School were Caitlyn David, Autumn Brooke Hampton, Shadasia Reynolds, and Chloe Sumner. Laura-Leigh Reynolds and Leslie Lauderdale accompanied the students.