Math honors go to Punahou, Iolani students

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Staff Writer

Two students from Punahou and two from Iolani will represent Hawai'i in the national MATHCOUNTS competition in Washington, D.C., in May after taking the top spots in the state contest for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.

The top individuals are David Clifton of Punahou, Robert Shimizu of Iolani, Steven Bartz of Punahou and Aaron Fong of Iolani.

Iolani won the team competition, with Punahou second and Mililani Middle School third. The competition gives math students a chance showcase their ability outside of school, said Scott Seu, education committee chairman for the Hawai'i Society of Professional Engineers, the event's sponsor.

"MATHCOUNTS is all about encouraging kids to develop their math skills in an exciting way that also builds character and confidence," Seu said.

About 40 schools participated in the O'ahu competition in February and 10 schools vied for state honors last week. Across the nation more than 35,000 students participate in the annual MATHCOUNTS events.

Other major Hawai'i sponsors are Kamehameha Schools, Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Electric Co.

Making up the top teams were:

• First: Iolani — Fong, Nicholas Moriwaki, Shimizu, Scott Kaneshiro, coaches Li Ann Wada and Annette Matsumoto.
• Second: Punahou — Bartz, Leland Char, Clifton, Stephen Kwong, coaches Evelyn Cheong and Leslee Hosoda.
• Third: Mililani Middle School — Philip Mocz, Lucia Mocz, Ryan Craven, John Orr, coaches Geri Hamada, Christopher Baxa and Lillian Monti.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.