A group of Tahoma High School students are headed to Dallas for the National Math Competition for Mu Alpha Theta.

During the week of July 17, these mathletes will demonstrate their expertise in topics ranging from Geometry through Calculus and Statistics.

Returning competitiors are past president and recent graduate Sean Messenger, senior Kyla Marczewski, who serves as treasurer, and junior Emily Burlison, who is vice-president. Participating for the first time will be senior Elizabeth Burianek, president, and junior Lilly Loescher.

All of these students have been practicing several times a week since last fall. By polishing their math skills in June and July, the Tahoma team has developed their tools for success — speed, accuracy and knowledge.

The math team has been coached by Dr. Thomas Brown, a retired engineer and volunteer, math teacher Malinda Shirley, and Everett Sullivan, who is past club president and math major at Seattle University.

In addition to competing at the national convention, Messenger will serve officially as national vice president for Mu Alpha Theta. He will oversee and facilitate many of the events during the six day competition. Burlison will also give a presentation on a historical math topic during the convention.

Shirley wrote in an email she is “proud of all the work this team has done.”

“The students worked hard throughout the year to fund raise all of their expenses in addition to practicing rigorous mathematics to compete at this high level,” Shirley wrote. “Their determination is outstanding.”

Burianek said the MATH IS AMAZING competition is the next big event for the Tahoma math team. It is set for December and will be open to students in sixth through ninth grade. It will be at Tahoma High.

“Younger students will get to see what this is all about,” Burianek said. “It is a lot of fun.”

For more information about the club, contact Shirley at mshirley@tahomasd.us.