Mini Profile: Chloe Honbo
National Trig-Star Program Contest
Sine & Cosine
BY MIKE YOSHIURADoing The Math Makes A Local Girl
Hawai‘i’s First Trig-Star
For the first time, the national Trig-Star Program Contest made its way to Hawai‘i, attracting mathematically skilled students from across the state. This year’s state winner was Chloe Honbo from La Pietra: Hawai‘i School for Girls.
The mathematics competition, sponsored by the National Society of Professional Surveyors, is based on the practical application of trigonometry, connecting high school students with the technical profession of land surveying and mapping.
The participants take a timed exam, during which they must solve four trigonometry problems. The highest score in the fastest time determines a winner, and the top finisher at the state level advances on to take the national exam.
This year, Chloe had a perfect score, finishing in a time of 51 minutes and 18 seconds. For her outstanding effort, she and her teacher, Bernice Duckrow, each received $600 in cash and a koa wood plaque. Chloe was also recognized with a $500 college scholarship.
“It definitely boosted my confidence. Not even my teacher was able to do the fourth problem,” Chloe says, with a sheepish grin. “I didn’t expect to win. I don’t even like math!”
In June, she took the test for the national contest, but the results have yet to be released. However, Chloe and other members from her Math Club are already preparing for next year’s competition.
