By Harlie Bates-Hudgin
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Nominated by Math Club adviser Carolyn Okunaga, Math Club President Senior Jonathan Teraoka, who has been in the program all four of his high school years, was awarded the Senior Merit Award after the last club competition on April 5, which recognized him as a committed member of the Math Club and earned him the title of Mathlete.
“To be a Mathlete, I think, is all about having this passion for math,” said Teraoka, “People say that, ‘Oh, I’m good at math’ or ‘I like math,’ but I think what really makes that title of Mathlete would be the desire to want to learn more about it.”
Preparation for the competitions takes place about one month prior to an event. “Every competition has six categories for math. For example, one could be Algebra 1: Linear Inequalities, so on and so on and it goes from Algebra 1 to (Trigonometry),” said Teraoka, “Once (Okunaga) finds out what categories we have, she makes these study packets full of old problems and maybe two to three weeks prior, you come in on your own time and she helps you practice problems.”
Depending on competitor attendance, members of the club don’t always compete in the same categories at every competition. “Since I’m a senior, I usually get the harder categories, so Trigonometry or Algebra 2,” said Teraoka, “Sometimes it just depends if we’re short on members or we need some spots to fill or whatever (Okunaga’s) judgement is, sometimes I get the Algebra 1.”
The Oahu Mathematics League sponsors the events for the math club and offers seniors who show a lot of dedication to math and have been consistent participants in the competitions a merit award to recognize that drive. “Since I’ve been doing it since freshman year and I’ve been fairly dedicated to it all four years, Okunaga thought that I should go for it,” said Teraoka.
Competitions are challenging enough that they make some students question their capabilities. “It is difficult considering the problems that are presented are not similar to ones you see during class,” said Senior Sean Grant, “They require you to think differently and analyze and solve critically.” Senior Kyla Niino added, “It’s definitely challenging. You have a lot of pressure to showcase what Mililani has to offer in their mathematics program, it really does add to the already stiff competition.”
Teraoka was excited and relieved when he heard that he had won the award. “(Winning) means that my dedication to math team has been recognized, which is very rewarding and satisfying to me,” said Teraoka.
In addition to Teraoka’s win, MHS’ Math Club came in eighth place at the Hanalani competition. The members will continue to broaden their knowledge of math in hopes of taking first place next year.
