FORT WORTH, Texas — For many, math may be a challenge. But for Tarrant County College’s brightest mathletes, it’s an opportunity to shine — and recently their brilliance paid off.
Twenty-four students from across TCC’s campuses earned more than $420,000 in scholarships and prizes at the 37th Annual Jim Bolen Mathematics Competition. The closing ceremony, hosted by TCC Northwest at TCC Trinity River, recognized not only exceptional mathematical talent but perseverance and problem-solving skills.
Chancellor Elva LeBlanc said the students inspired her. “You are winners — Jim Bolen Mathematics Competition winners — but more than that, you are TCC Trailblazers with the determination to reach out and grab a better future.”
Held annually in two rounds — fall and spring — the competition is sanctioned by the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) Student Mathematics League, which challenges students across the country in advanced math, including algebra, trigonometry and analytical geometry. This year 224 students participated.
Scholarships and Prizes: A Launchpad to Opportunity
Highest performing students received a mix of cash, TCC Foundation scholarships and university transfer scholarships from partner institutions.
- Texas Christian University awarded the Bolen Scholarship — valued at more than $280,000 — to Christopher Maniquiz (TCC Southeast), who plans to major in mechanical or electrical engineering. Cong Quoc Le (TCC Southeast) won a Dean’s Scholarship, a $30,000 annual award for four years.
- East Texas A&M University presented $13,400 annual scholarships for two years to Cong Quoc Le and Pham Ngoc Tran Vu (TCC Northeast).
- Angelo State University awarded $6,000 renewable scholarships to Tegpratap “Teg” Gill (TCC Northwest). Dong Quan Tran (TCC Southeast) and Cong Quoc Le.
- The University of Texas at Arlington awarded $8,500 in scholarships to Sen Nu Nu San (TCC Northwest), $7,500 in scholarships to Hoang Bui (TCC South) and $5,000 in scholarships to Dong Quan Tran.
The TCC Foundation also awarded more than $17,000 in cash and scholarships during the ceremony. Seven students received full tuition for fall 2025 and spring 2026 — Juhyun Hur, Derek Jiang, Alexis Klement, Thanh Le, Joo An Lee, Son “Danny” Tran and Eleanor Williamson.
Campus winners received $300 cash prizes, courtesy of the TCC Foundation:
- Northeast: Derek Jiang
- Northwest: Nathan Quick, Cameron James, Son “Danny” Tran
- South: Thanh Le
- Southeast: Dong Quan Tran, Thanh Ha
- Trinity River: Alexis Klement
A $1,000 donation by McGraw Hill ALEKS enabled TCC to provide a $100 cash prize to each campus first runner-up for the fall and spring tests.
“We work hard to create pathways for students to achieve their academic and career goals,” said Gloria Fisher, assistant director of development for the TCC Foundation. “Scholarships from both TCC and our university partners help make those dreams possible.”
Top 10 Scorers
TCC’s top scorers received cash awards from $100 up to $1,000:
- Derek Jiang (Northeast) — $1,000
- Nathanael Feldman (Northeast) — $900
- Thanh Le (South) — $800
- Cameron James (Northwest) — $700
- Pham Ngoc Tran Vu (Northeast) — $600
- Bepo Badawi (Southeast) — $500; Son “Danny” Tran (Northwest) — $500
- Ismaail Mousa (South) — $400; Dong Quan Tran (Southeast) — $400
- Ryan Rahbarzare (Northwest) — $300
- Cong Quoc Le (Southeast) — $200
- Christopher Maniquiz (Southeast) — $100
A Legacy of Excellence
Competition organizers said TCC is proud to be ranked No. 1 in the AMATYC Southwest Region (Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona) and No. 6 nationwide, based on recent scores.
“Over the decades, the Jim Bolen Competition has changed lives,” said Cathryn Miller, TCC Northeast assistant professor of mathematics and the event’s primary coordinator. “Our winners go on to finish associate degrees, transfer to top universities and achieve things they never thought possible.”
Named after the late Dr. Jim Bolen, a revered TCC mathematics professor, the competition was established to elevate math education and challenge students to reach their full potential. An endowment from the Bolen family — former Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen is Dr. Bolen’s brother — ensures continued support for TCC’s involvement in AMATYC’s national contest.
For more information about the competition, email cathryn.miller@tccd.edu. To learn more about the TCC Foundation, visit tccd.edu/foundation or call 817-515-5277.
About Tarrant County College
Celebrating 60 years of excellence and impact in 2025, Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive community college with six campuses in Tarrant County, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.