Latest news with #WyomissingHighSchool
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Berks' Best 2025 mathematics winner: Jasper Platt intrigued by the theoretical side of math
For a lot of students with a passion for math, it's all about the numbers. They love the structure of it, the consistency of it. They love the formulas, that one plus one will always equal two. For Jasper Platt, however, there's something else about math that really intrigues him. 'I want to understand the why,' the Wyomissing High School senior said. Platt has been interested in math for as long as he can remember. And while he was initially drawn to the subject for the typical reasons, as he learned more about it his focus evolved. 'For me, it's more about the theoretical aspect of it,' he explained. 'It's not, 'Oh, I love solving problems.' It's about how, for a lot of it, it acts more like a system that can be understood holistically.' That perspective, that dedication to seeking a deeper understanding of the topic, has earned Platt the recognition as the winner of the 2025 Berks' Best mathematics award. 'I feel very honored,' Platt said. 'I try not to evaluate myself based upon achievement, but I feel very honored to receive the award.' Meghan Tierney, the mathematics department chair at Wyomissing, said Platt is well-deserving of the award. 'In my years as an educator, I have rarely encountered a student with Jasper's combination of raw talent, passion and determination in mathematics,' she said in a letter supporting his nomination. 'His academic record, extracurricular achievements, and self-driven learning make him an ideal candidate for this recognition.' Platt said his math journey started at a young age. He recalled being in fourth grade in upstate New York and spending time at the home of a friend whose dad was a college math professor. Both the friend, who was doing trigonometry as a fourth grader, and the dad helped foster Platt's burgeoning interest in math. 'He definitely inspired me and helped me be able to see it as something that's interesting,' he said of his friend. 'And if I was working on homework at his house, his dad would help explain it to me and help me see there's definitely more to it.' Platt's interest in the theoretical side of math has also translated into another area. An avid reader of philosophy, he is fascinated by the proof-based subject of analytical philosophy. He plans to study both topics when he heads off to the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. The school actually has a logic major that combines math and philosophy. As for a career plan, Platt said he's still working on that. 'I'm kind of just going to mess around with a few things,' he said. Along with mathematics, Platt also has a variety of other interests. He plays lacrosse, took part in Model U.N., was involved in Wyomissing's drama department, is a member of the Quiz Bowl team, took part in MiniTHON, is a docent at Penn Museum and enjoys hiking. Related Articles * May 16, 2025\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009Berks' Best 2025 Taylor Seitzinger Community Service and Leadership winner: Garrett Hyneman has dedicated his life to helping others\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 * May 16, 2025\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009Berks' Best 2025 communications winner: Sydney Guida has a passion for storytelling\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 * May 16, 2025\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009Berks' Best 2025 career and technical education winner: Devra Longacre headed toward bright future\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 * May 16, 2025\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009Berks' Best 2025 overview: 418 students nominated for 11 awards\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Teenagers call for new mental health legislation in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Teenagers from across Pennsylvania are calling for more mental health resources. The PA Teen Mental Health Coalition rallied in the State Capitol on Monday. The PA Youth Advocacy Network wants more mental health and substance use education and community based organizations in schools. They're also asking for a mental health youth council to give teens a voice in the legislative process. Teens are calling on lawmakers to give them a break and pass legislation to make mental health days count as excused absences from school. 'You kind of lose focus of what you're supposed to be focusing on which is your school work and if you take that day off you can reorganize yourself,' says Karla Aguay of Wyomissing High School in Berks County. The teens want their schools to follow up after those mental health days. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'When students return from having a mental day excused, their school is required to have them check in with their guidance counselors to make sure that their mental health is okay and that they're doing better,' says Rehea Patel of Wyomissing High School. Rep. Jessica Benham says there's a shortage of mental health providers for all ages and more funding is needed to support mental health both in and out of the classroom. 'It's important to me that young people have access to the kinds of mental support that they need, whether we're talking about therapy, dogs or kitties, or we're talking about the ability to just take a little time off when they need it,' says Rep. Benham. Senate Bill 886 was introduced last session to make mental health days count as excused absences from school. It still has to be re-introduced this session. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
