Students from Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology excelled at the 40th annual Georgia Southwestern State University math tournament Feb. 7, winning the team competition and overall individual competition.

The Rockdale Magnet team took gold for GHSA-AAAAAA. Rockdale Magnet's Jeremy Rachels took first place in the overall individual competition.

The GSW School of Computing and Mathematics' annual math tournament is the longest-running competition of its kind in the state and is one of the largest each year. Teams from 45 high schools competed in the written and ciphering problem-solving portions. In all, over 400 students competed in the event. Winners were recognized in six Georgia High School Association divisions and two Georgia Independent School Association divisions.

"Our tournament is getting more popular every year," said Tournament Director and Assistant Professor of Mathematics Kailash Ghimire, Ph.D. "I am not sure if we host the biggest math tournament in the state of Georgia, but it certainly is one of the biggest."

Other team competition winners included First Presbyterian Day School (GHSA-A), Greater Atlanta Christian (GISA-AA), Oconee County High School (GHSA-AAA), Columbus High School (GHSA-AAAA), Houston County High School (GHSA-AAAAA), Tattnall Square Academy (GISA-AAA), and Brandon Hall School (GISA-AAA).

Sponsored by the AT&T Foundation, this tournament is a qualifier for the state math tournament. Georgia Southwestern's junior math tournament will take place Saturday, March 8.