Thirteen-year-old Declan O., a student at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, has earned a perfect score of 150 in the Gauss Mathematics Contest, an extraordinary achievement that places him among the very top math students in the country.
The contest, organized by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo, attracted 76,524 participants worldwide in 2025. Fewer than 0.5 per cent of students achieved a flawless score, and only 2.5 per cent of Grade 7 students scored between 136 and 150, underscoring the challenge Declan mastered.
“When I found out I got a perfect mark, I was so happy, and a little surprised, because I wasn’t completely sure about the last question,” Declan said.
The Gauss contest is open to Grade 7 and 8 students in Canada and internationally. Students face 25 multiple-choice questions that cover algebra, geometry, patterning, data management, and measurement. Questions progress from straightforward to highly complex, testing not just knowledge but also problem-solving ability.
While contest results do not count toward a student’s school grade, they provide a unique opportunity for young learners to challenge themselves. Declan, who has always loved math, embraced the experience with enthusiasm.
The average score on this year’s Grade 7 Gauss contest was 88.3, making Declan’s accomplishment all the more remarkable. The CEMC runs several contests designed to spark and nurture student interest in mathematics and computer science.
With this achievement, Declan joins an elite group of students who have demonstrated not only talent but also persistence and passion for problem-solving. His success is a promising sign of a bright future in mathematics.