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About 80 students from 10 Southern California high schools will compete in the 23rd annual High School Mathematics Contest Saturday, Feb. 6. The contest begins at 1 p.m. with a Chalk Talk Derby, written exams and a fast-paced team competition with buzzers modeled after the once-popular College Bowl TV show. Finals will get under way beginning at 4 p.m. in Porter Theatre. Dinner and an awards ceremony with Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Kerr Student Center.

“With the increased attention given in our society to people with athletic ability we think it is important to encourage and give recognition to those developing their academic gifts,” says Russell Howell, ������ú professor of mathematics. “Toward that end ������ú’s mathematics contest provides a forum where talented and like-minded high school students can interact in a way that encourages them to continue excelling in their studies.”

Participating this year will be Bishop Garcia Diego High School, Cate School, Crescenta Valley High School, Dos Pueblos High School, Oaks Christian High School, Providence Hall, San Marcos High School, San Roque High School, Santa Barbara High School and the Thacher School.

Howell says the students and teachers always appreciate the recognition.

“Many of the challenges facing our global community will require solutions from people with mathematical talent,” he says, “so it is vital that, whenever possible, those who are exploring the mathematical enterprise get encouragement to continue.”

The topic of this year’s Chalk Talk Derby, where students deliver a 10-minute talk about mathematical ideas, is prime numbers. The two derby finalists make their presentation at 4 p.m. in Porter Theater, which is followed by the finals of the College Bowl competition.

A contest itinerary, map, sample questions and photos from past events can be found at t.