Two sisters studying in Cebu schools have been winning awards in different science and mathematics competitions.
Siblings Kiersten Candice Sy, 13, and Kylaine Trisha Sy, 7, are bringing honor to Cebu as they continue to bring home academic awards.
Kiersten Candice is a Grade 7 student of the Cebu City National Science High School while Kylaine Trisha is studying at the Cebu Eastern College.
Kiersten Candice showed interest in mathematics at an early age. She was around six to seven years old when she started solving math problems. She first competed in the Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC). The MMC is an annual mathematics competition aimed at raising the competitiveness of elementary and high school students.
In an interview, Kiersten explained that to her, solving Math problems is just like completing jigsaw puzzles.
This fascination drove her to excel in Mathematics and win awards in competitions, the latest of which is the the recently-concluded Siam International Math and Science Olympics (SIMSO).
Kiersten competed under the SIMSO Mathematics Primary 6 category where she won the gold in and is ranked top in the Philippines. She also received a gold medal after she ranked 7th in the Category 1 for Grade 5-6 level in the Copernicus Natural Science Olympiad.
Her sister Kylaine Trisha won the gold in the SIMSO Mathematics 2021 Primary 1 category and ranked top in the Philippines.
The two also won in the Philippine International Math and Science Olympics (Pimso) – Science by International Champions in Education (ICE). ICE is an international competition in Mathematics and Science accredited by Department of Education (DepEd).
Aside from excelling in Mathematics, Kiersten has other interests as well. At an early age, she always makes origami for her small stuff’s and is into drawing as well.
“That’s why I decided to enroll her in arts class and thank God she always excels (in arts),” says her mom Dr. Catherine Sy.
Aside from undergoing training before the competitions, Kiersten also includes prayers as part of her preparations.
“By God’s grace, Kiersten received DepEd (Department of Education) achievement awards and has been Dost (Department of Science and Technology) YES (Youth Excellence in Science) medalist for two years,” Dr. Sy says.
“During her free time she takes care of her siblings. Of course (she) always finds time for her gadgets. She is the type of girl who is innocent but motivated to learn,” she adds.
On the other hand, Kylaine is more fascinated with puzzles and brick games and loves to play with her Barbie dolls.
Dr. Sy describes Kylaine as disciplined in so far as doing her school works. Kylaine is very organized and, sleeps and wakes up on time.
Influenced by her sister’s achievements, Kylaine also decided to join competitions even at her age.
Many students considered Mathematics as among the difficult subjects. But for these two siblings, the subject is just a breeze as well as an exciting and fascinating one.
With the support of their parents, the two will surely continue to reach new highs in the academic field.
