Calhoun High School junior Zach Neiger’s aptitude for math dates back to a third-grade club, Math Olympiads, where he said he realized he had a knack for numbers.

“Since then I’ve always just wanted to learn more about math,” he said.

The three-year Advanced Science Research student even dedicated his project to the subject, “A Further Exploration of the Properties of Orthodiagonal Quadrilaterals.”

This research earned him a gold medal at the Al Kalfus Long Island Math Fair on April 28. He was the only student from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District to compete. Only the top 5 percent of competitors receive one of three level medals: bronze, silver or gold.

Since being named a Long Island Math Scholar in 2016, Neiger has been studying at the invite-only Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students, based at SUNY Old Westbury on Saturdays.

An accomplished cellist, Neiger has also competed at Science Olympiads, the Physics Bowl and Nassau County Math Competition, as well as being on the school’s Math Team.

“He is one of the most brilliant math minds to come through Calhoun, said Christine Boyce, Director of Calhoun’s Advanced Science Research Program. “Zach is a true Renaissance Man, he is tops academically, a major performer in the drama program, and cellist for the orchestra with a personality and sense of humor that are second to none.  It is a true honor to know Zach and I can not wait to see what true benefits he will bring to the world in his very bright future.”