By Jason Sweeney

The math whizzes of Homestead High School scored big at the 2004-2005 Mu Alpha Theta “Log 1″ Contest, ranking first for the western region. The contest was sponsored by the Mu Alpha Theta national math honor society.

Homestead High boasts 19 members of Mu Alpha Theta. Members of the honor society from around the world competed in four geographic divisions at either Mu, Alpha and Theta levels. Students in algebra II, geometry, or lower competed in the Theta division; students in pre-calculus competed in Alpha; and students who have taken calculus courses competed in Mu.

The contest consisted of three rounds of tests. The first was an “Individual Test,” a 15-problem, 30-minute test of general math knowledge. A calculator was not allowed. The second round included three “Topic Tests” covering probability, geometry, or equations and inequalities. The third round was a “Ciphering Test” consisting of 10 three-problem rounds of general open-answer problems solved without a calculator.

Homestead High math teacher Steve Headley was the team coach. Headley prepared the students for the competition and took care of administrative work.

“We do a lot of math contests at Homestead High School because it gives kids an opportunity to see where they stand with other students in the United States,” Headley said.

The Bay Area is a tough region when it comes to math, he said. Several local schools have outstanding math programs. To stay competitive, the students at Homestead voluntarily compete in about 50 contests a year.

“This is a pretty special one,” Headley said, of the win. “It’s a good feeling to do well. It makes them want to do more in mathematics.”

Homestead High students proved they have what it takes to compete against the smartest kids around and win.

“If you were competing with 750 students from the western region and you finish first,” said Weiss, “I think you can pat yourself on the back.”In the Mu division, Homestead High standouts Guanziong Mao placed third, Eddson Alcid sixth, Darrell Chan ninth, Lisa Danz 19th and Scott Payne 26th. In the Alpha division, Charles Liu placed third and Emma Tolley placed 17th. In the Theta division, Drew Haven placed first, Aaron D. Wong seventh, Dennis Yeh 22nd and Davy Doberne 26th.

The students from Homestead High competed in Division One, which included Mu Alpha Theta chapters from schools in 22 states, Canada, Western Europe, the Pacific Islands and the Far East.

“The kids enjoy competing against each other in national events,” said Kay Weiss, executive director of Mu Alpha Theta. “These kids love math.”