3 KU students win annual Mathematics Prize Competition

LAWRENCE --Three winners in the University of Kansas 21st annual Mathematics Prize Competition were announced by the KU mathematics department.

In the senior level, open to all undergraduates, Nickolas Hein, Wichita senior, won the $150 first prize. Hein also won the 2001 senior-level first prize.

In the junior level, open to all undergraduates except seniors, Xiaobang Yue, Chengdu, China, freshman, won the $100 first prize. Keith Preston, Valley Center sophomore, won the second-place prize of $50.

Six contestants entered the senior-level competition, and nine contestants entered the junior-level competition, according to Hongguo Xu, assistant professor of mathematics at KU.

The written examination for each competition consists of six questions that must be completed in three hours.

Winning students, year in school, major, parents' names and high school alma mater are listed below.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Valley Center
Keith Preston, sophomore in computer engineering and in mathematics, son of Harold and Diana Preston; Valley Center High School graduate.

From Wichita
Nickolas Hein, graduating senior in mathematics, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hein; Bishop Carroll High School graduate.

CHINA
Chengdu
Xiaobang Yue, freshman in computer engineering, son of Huanxun Yue.