Senior has right formula
Trevor Terris' advanced placement calculus teacher calls his student "the fastest calculator I've ever seen" because he is so quick with mental calculations.
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Trevor has a complete understanding of math, which he says he inherited from his father. His parents also have encouraged him to learn math and computer science and fostered that desire in him.
A senior at Augusta Preparatory Day School, Trevor was chosen his school's STAR student based on his SAT score. It was only fitting that the math team co-president chose his math teacher, Tim Shafer, as his STAR teacher.
"He's been the one teacher who's been really important in each of my high school years," said Trevor, the son of Drs. David and Martha Terris, of Martinez.
Shafer is the adviser of the school's math team and has been Trevor's teacher for calculus, statistics and advanced placement calculus.
"It is always humbling to learn that my teaching has made a strong impact on a student," said Shafer, who has been named a STAR teacher five times.
Shafer said Trevor is "a brilliant young man and an excellent representative of both Augusta Prep and the STAR student program."
Though Shafer's AP Calculus class is always a small one, this year it is comprised of just two students -- Trevor and a classmate. Only the highly motivated and talented students enroll in the class.
Trevor, who is also on the school's swim team, plans to major in computer science in college. He's already been accepted to the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia and Virginia Tech. Trevor is on the waiting list at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is his top choice of colleges, but Trevor says it's not likely he'll get in because his early acceptance was deferred. His next top choice is Vanderbilt University.
"Trevor has very high college expectations," Shafer said. "His applications are in at a number of outstanding schools. He plans to pursue computer science and he certainly has the intellect and passion to make a mark in any career field he chooses. He has matured into a very detailed and accurate worker, while keeping his independent spirit.
"I eagerly anticipate his inventions and discoveries. Certainly, they will be far beyond our imagination."