OBMEP: Double the pride in the Santos family

When Crislaine Barreto, from Barbacena (MG), saw the list of award winners for the 17th OBMEP, she received two pieces of good news at once: her sons Matheus, 15 years old, and Thiago Barreto Ferreira dos Santos, 13, won two gold medals. The results of the 17th edition of the Olympiad were released on Tuesday (20), bringing joy and great pride to the award winners, their families and teachers.

In Crislaine's home, both sons showed an aptitude for mathematics from a young age. Matheus, the older one, was the first to discover his talent in the Olympiads. He was awarded gold in three consecutive editions – the 14th, 15th, and 16th OBMEP. At home, the multi-medalist challenged his younger brother to solve the competition's problems. This encouragement led Thiago to win the coveted gold medal in the 16th edition.

After repeating the feat, they are preparing to celebrate together at the national awards ceremony, on a date to be determined. "In 2019, I was in the audience watching my brother receive his medal, and this time, I will be receiving the award alongside him," Thiago rejoiced.

The children of a state school teacher and a shopkeeper, the two miners attend public schools – Escola Estadual Henrique Diniz and Escola Estadual Adelaide Bias Fortes. Matheus' three consecutive awards opened doors for participation in the Junior Scientific Initiation Program (PIC), which offers advanced mathematics classes and a R$ 100 scholarship from CNPq.

The scholarship allowed the older brother to pay for home internet and purchase courses to prepare for the Olympiads. “The OBMEP completely changed the way I see mathematics and my entire daily life. I hope my brother can see that too: the Olympiad opens doors and offers opportunities,” said Matheus.

Although it wasn't the first time the mother had seen her children victorious in the competition, the joy was immense. "The fact that students from a public school and from humble families achieved such a beautiful result filled my heart, the father's heart, and the whole family's heart with pride and gratitude," said Crislaine.

Professor shares students' joy at award ceremony.

Students from all over Brazil are among the winners of the 575 gold medals, 1,725 silver medals, 5,175 bronze medals, and 51,900 honorable mention certificates that the Olympiad will distribute in this edition. On social media, many teachers shared their pride in the students who won the coveted medal.

This is the case of Francisco Vlademir Dedes da Cruz Barros, from Juazeiro do Norte (CE), a teacher at the Governador Adauto Bezerra State School. The educator became acquainted with OBMEP while still a student, in the second edition of the scientific competition, in 2006. Although he did not win an award, his passion for mathematics intensified throughout his academic career.

The native of Ceará graduated in mathematics and, while still an undergraduate, was a monitor in the Junior Scientific Initiation Program (PIC). When he became a public school teacher, he made a point of bringing the OBMEP (Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad for Public Schools) into his classroom. “The problems were attractive and challenging, stimulating students to have more interest in the subject. The dream of winning the award was nurtured in me!” he stated.

This year, in addition to three honorable mentions, the students also won a bronze and a silver medal. “I was very happy! I finally fulfilled a dream of winning an OBMEP medal and, more than that, for the talent and effort of my students. I am very lucky! To complete my joy, my two children also received honorable mentions and the Olympiad organization awarded me as a teacher,” commented Vlademir.

José Cícero levou a medalha de bronze

Awarded the bronze medal, 16-year-old José Cícero do Nascimento was surprised by the news. “I didn’t expect to win the medal, as it was my first time taking the race, so I didn’t know how it worked. I was surprised and happy when I received the news! My family was also very happy and we celebrated together,” said José.

In his third year of high school, 17-year-old José Vinicius da Silva Santos was awarded the silver medal. He had dreamed of winning this medal in his last Olympiad. "I studied a lot this year, for the university entrance exam and also for the OBMEP, which I always aspired to and was one of the few medals I didn't have on my resume," he explains.

The dedication throughout the year and Vlademir's support were essential for the victory. "He saw potential in many of the students, including me. That was fantastic because it motivated me a lot, both because of his knowledge and the way he passed it on to us!"

José Vinicius conquistou uma medalha de prata