Canutillo High ‘mathlete’ earns state title

Canutillo High School student Matthew Medina has earned several impressive titles this year: valedictorian, MIT-bound scholar, record-setting scholarship recipient—and now, State Champion.

On Tuesday, the graduating senior claimed first place in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) 5A Calculator Applications Individual State Championship, outscoring dozens of the top math students from across Texas.

“Matthew has had an outstanding year, both academically and in competition,” said CHS Principal Candice Marrufo. “It’s incredibly fitting that, after a phenomenal four-year career representing Canutillo in math competitions, he finishes his time as an Eagle with a state championship.”

Medina is the only El Paso student to earn an academic UIL state title this year. He is also believed to be just the fourth El Pasoan in more than three decades to win a UIL state championship in a mathematics-related event.

Last week, Canutillo High School announced Medina as the valedictorian for the Class of 2025, based on his top-ranked GPA. He will graduate on May 30 at the Don Haskins Center.

Following graduation, Medina will attend the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), having earned more than $1.5 million in scholarships.