Half Hollow Hills Students Win Suffolk County Math Tournament

By Christine Geed

Two Half Hollow Hills Students, Rinni Bhandali and Kris Pang were named individual winners at the 12^th Annual Suffolk County Math Tournament coordinated by the Suffolk County Math Teachers Association.  The Annual tournament was held on Friday, January 4th at Suffolk County Community College in Selden.

Rinni Bhandali, who participated in the Lower Level Competition, won 3^rd place in the individual 9^th grade level – an amazing task considering she’s a 6^th Grader at West Hollow Middle School.  Kris Pang, a senior at High School East, won 2^nd place in the individual 12^th grade level competition.

The Lower level competition consisted of 31 teams from 22 different schools.  A total of 155 students participated; 77 Ninth graders and 78 tenth graders.  Rinni was the only 6^th grader.  In the Upper level group there were 51 teams from 26 different schools.  Kris was among 255 upper level student competitors.  All participants in the tournament must participate in rigorous individual and group problem solving.

Half Hollow Hills Mathletes Advisor and Math Research Coordinator, Rose Suarez could not hide her pride for these students achievement stating, “The students make me proud every year at this tournament.  It’s great to watch them realize what they can accomplish.”

HHH Director of Mathematics, Ian Dunst added, “These results demonstrate the intelligence, devotion and enthusiasm amongst these students.  Congratulations to all of the students who participated in these valuable experiences.”

The Suffolk County Math Teachers Association is a non-profit organization affiliated with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.  The Organizations purpose is to advance the methods of teaching mathematics; to disperse information pertaining to mathematics education; foster an interest in mathematics for students of all grade levels and to promote a better understanding of the subjects in mathematics.

The award-winning Half Hollow Hills Central School District of Huntington and Babylon provides educational services for students in grades Kindergarten through 12, and takes pride in being a Triple A District – achieving excellence in Academics, Athletics and the Arts.