Nine Kent School students recently participated in the local round of the Trig-Star mathematics competition, marking the School’s first time entering the event. Sponsored by the National Society of Professional Surveyors, the competition focuses on trigonometry and seeks to demonstrate the real-world applications of mathematics.

Students completed a timed 60-minute exam designed to assess their trigonometry skills in professional contexts, particularly within fields such as land surveying.

Three Kent students—Selina Z. ’28, Aaron S. ’27, and Jerry X. ’28—earned perfect scores on the exam. The winner was determined by completion time. Aaron S. ’27 finished the exam in just under 31 minutes, recording the fastest time in Connecticut. He will represent Kent School at the national Trig-Star competition in May.

Kent mathematics teacher Patrick Kinsella notes that Trig-Star provides an opportunity for a broader group of students to apply their mathematical skills outside of the traditional curriculum. While Kent offers contests such as the American Mathematics Competition 10/12 and participates in the New England Math League, these competitions are typically geared toward the strongest analytical thinkers.

“The more we can help students see the ‘Why?’ behind what they are learning, the more we can help them build a better toolbox for their possible professional careers,” Kinsella says. “Applications of mathematics touch every aspect of human life, but many students may not realize how often mathematics factors into design or everyday concepts.”