A year of hard work paid off when Jahmair Trott won the fifth annual Math Attack final as he and three other finalists solved complex math problems without pen, paper or calculators.

The program, organised by the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity challenges young men to lean how to solve difficult mathematical problems completely mentally, and even in other languages.

"We teach them math in French, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese," said the fraternities local chapter President Michael Wellman. "The preface is to instill a love of learning at the macro level, and teach them that learning can be fun."

Boys enrolled in the extra curricular activity are taught and motivated by fraternity members, ranging from architects and engineers to underwriters.

"We relate math to different functional occupational areas. We find out what they're interested in, and focus on that area of interest," said Mr. Wellman.

While the program has in the past only been offered at Dellwood Middle School, this year for the first time it was offered at Sandys Secondary Middle School, with the possibility of more schools becoming involved in the future.

"Math is paramount," said Mr. Wellman. "By leaning to do math without pen or paper, it forces them to develop concentration skills, listening skills, and improve their ability to process information.

"It's quite phenomenal. Those who get to see it are blown away by the capability of those young men," said Mr. Wellman.

This year's winner was Jahmair Trott, with Anton Jackson and Kenny Sousa winning second and third place respectively.