Four students earn trip to national Mathcounts

Four math wizards were named CNMI representatives to the national Mathcounts competition in Florida this year after they ruled the state contest Saturday at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.

Calvary Christian Academy’s 13-year-old Ji Hoon Choi, who emerged overall best performer, will lead the island’s delegates that include three other mathletes: Hyeon Joon Jun from Saipan International School, Hye Young Oh from Marianas Baptist Academy, and CCA’s Min Jeong Jang.

The students emerged as the top four performers in the individual countdown round of the competition and will advance to the national competition in May.

A total of 95 students from 12 public and private schools competed in the event, which aimed to select the Commonwealth’s bets to the national contest where they will face off with delegates from all over the United States.

Choi, a first-timer to the national competition, said he wasn’t expecting this honor.

“I wasn’t expecting it. I feel great!” he told Saipan Tribune, adding that he is excited to go to the U.S. mainland for the first time.

Choi also topped the individual countdown during the chapter competition last month.

He promised to work harder for the national event.

For the past three years, SIS’ Hyeon Joon Jun has been hoping to become a member of the national delegate. His fourth try was apparently the charm.

“I am glad that I made it this year! It’s a great feeling…because this is the first time that I will be traveling to the States,” he said.

He looks forward to the “exciting experiences” he will have at the national level.

The four students will be accompanied by this year’s winning team coach, Vanessa Pritchard from Calvary Christian Academy, who also vowed to do her best for the competition.

“We’re really excited and we’re happy that two of our students from CCA will be traveling to the national event,” she said.

Pritchard’s Team A from CCA was also adjudged the overall team winner, garnering 27.75 percent, and will hold the perpetual trophy until the next team successor is named. MBA’s Team A emerged the second best group with 24.50 percent.

Hailed third best were members of the SIS Team A with 23 percent, while fourth place went to Mount Carmel School Team A with 17.25 percent.

Students in the Top Ten and were awarded plaques included SIS’ Hyeon Joon Jun; CCA’s Ji Hoon Choi; MBA’s Hye Young Oh; MCS’ Feng Liang Lizama; CCA’s Min Jeong Jang; MBA’s Se Young Hwang; CCA’s Han Sol Yu; CCA’s Won Woo Choi; MBA’s Young Eun Lee; and CCA’s Kevin Hwang.

The event’s organizer, EFC Engineers & Architects, also named Hyeon Joon Jun as honorable mention for getting the highest overall individual score of 27 percent.

According to state and chapter competition coordinator Martha Camacho, the national contest will be held at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort in Florida.

Mathcounts, organized by EFC Engineer & Architects, is an annual competition that challenges students in high-level mathematical ability and gives them the opportunity to compete nationally.

Camacho said they are elated at the success of the event, which marked its 15th year in the CNMI.

The Mathcounts competition motivates students to do upper level math, measure higher thinking skills of participants, and provides a venue and opportunity for young talents to practice their mathematical capabilities.

Event sponsors include EFC Engineers and Architects, DFS Saipan, Chong’s Corp., IT&E, Subway, Coca Cola, Foremost, JoeTen Foundation, Deloitte & Touche, National Office Supply, Hanam Market, Dolphin Wholesale, Marianas Star, Korea Hardware, Garapan Market, Tae Wo, and Yonsei Academy.