Tahoma High School math students scored high at the at the Mu Alpha Theta (MATH) National Convention in Washington D.C. July 25-30.

Tahoma was represented by nine students. There were 46 schools from the United States and Korea with 570 students competing for national math awards in 60 categories.

Sean Messenger received top scores in two calculus events: area and volume and integration. Anthony Yun excelled in ciphering, a fast-paced math. Kyla Marczewski achieved top scores in logarithms.

In team events, the algebra two trio of Emily Burlison, Carly Overhauser and Niky Sarmah came through with top scores in the school bowl. Chaired by Mary Illback, the team scrapbook, which summarizes the team activities, received 13th place.

Kelsey Genschorck, having just returned from winning first place at cheer nationals, provided the team with leadership and enthusiasm. Sponsor Malinda Shirley received a top score in speed math.

Zach Overhauser presented a talk on “Mathematics and Commerce” focusing on Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company CEO as his point of reference.

Anthony Yun spoke on “The Mathematics in Motor Sports”. Both received 11th place in their divisions.

A highlight of the convention was Carly Overhauser winning a prestigious seventh place plaque with her talk on “The Mathematics of Running.” The award recognized her proficiency with a seven-minute speech covering the use of mathematical modeling in sports and athletics.

The grand finale included the announcement Messenger, president of the Tahoma Math Team and the Pacific Northwest Regional representative, was elected national vice president on the National Executive Board of Mu Alpha Theta.

The Tahoma High chapter of Mu Alpha Theta is dedicated to inspiring interest in mathematics and developing scholarships in the mathematics.

For more details contact mshirley@tahomasd.us.