Flathead High School student competes in national Trig-Star competition

Representing Montana, Flathead High School junior Jacob Braach is awaiting the results of the national Trig-Star math competition after completing the 120-minute test in May. National results are expected in mid-June. 

To compete at nationals, Braach won at the state level in April. For state, students had 60 minutes to complete the Trig-Star test through their local chapters. The statewide test results were then compared against each other with the student earning the highest score in the least amount of time named the winner.  

Braach finished the test in 31 minutes and 49 seconds. In addition to advancing to nationals, he won a $1,250 college scholarship and graphing calculator. 

“For the past two years, I placed second in the local chapter Trig-Star competition, so winning state this year feels really rewarding,” Braach said. 

Sponsored by the National Society of Professional Surveyors, the goal of Trig-Star is to recognize, challenge and acquaint students with the use and practical applications of mathematics, namely trigonometry, in professions such as surveying. 

Braach started competing in math in middle school, including MathCounts and the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics contests, under coach and former Kalispell Middle School teacher Peter Musick. In high school, he continued to compete in math, joining the Flathead Math Club, advised by Jenna Nichols. 

“I've really enjoyed working with Jacob over the past three years in Math Club," Nichols said. “His enthusiasm for mathematics is contagious, and he genuinely enjoys helping others solve challenging problems. Jacob has dedicated countless hours preparing for the Trig-Star competition, and it's exciting to see his hard work pay off.”