Adding Up to Victory: Mission CISD Students Named TMSCA State Champs

MISSION, TEXAS– In a showcase of advanced problem-solving and mathematical skills, two Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) students from Kenneth White Junior High School emerged victorious in the Calculator Applications category at the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association (TMSCA) State Championship Meet, earning the district two state titles.

Brianna Ibarra, a 6th grade student, was named the 6th-grade State Champion, while Angel Romero, a 7th-grade student, earned the title of 7th Grade State Champion, each securing top honors in their respective grade levels.

For Ibarra, success didn’t happen overnight—it was the result of countless hours of after-school practice and determination.

“The hours of practice added up, and I was able to learn a lot of the concepts needed for success in these competitions,” said Ibarra. “Leading up to the state meet, I practiced as much as possible to prepare for that day.”

MASTERING THE MATH

According to the University Interscholastic League, the Calculator Applications Contest involves a thirty-minute test comprised of 80 mathematical problems that are solved with a handheld calculator – making it one of the most challenging in the TMSCA lineup.

It assesses not only a student’s speed and accuracy in basic arithmetic—such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—but also their ability to solve complex problems involving roots, powers, exponents, logarithms, and trigonometric functions, including inverse trig functions.

In addition, the test incorporates geometric and word problems similar to those found in middle and high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry coursework.

For Romero, winning first place was not only a personal triumph but also a moment of shared emotion with their teammates.

“I was overjoyed when I heard my name called out for first place, especially after finishing in second place last school year,” said Romero. I also felt sympathetic for some of my teammates, but they cheered me on, and overall, I was very happy!”

FUELING FUTURES THROUGH STEM

Mission CISD continues to promote excellence in academic competition, and the success of Brianna and Angel is a reflection of the district’s ongoing commitment to building strong foundations in STEM education.

Reflecting on his students’ performance, Math Teacher at Kenneth White Jr. High and TMSCA sponsor Adrian Chapa expressed pride in their dedication and ability to excel under pressure.

“These students have demonstrated not only strong math skills but incredible discipline and focus,” said Chapa. “This competition requires both speed and precision under pressure, and Brianna and Angel truly rose to the occasion.”

The district congratulates Brianna Ibarra and Angel Romero for their remarkable accomplishments and looks forward to even more success in the future as these champions continue to grow and excel.

ABOUT TMSCA

TMSCA is an organization formed by Texas math and science teachers to promote excellence in math and science through competition. Through its efforts, grade-level competition is now the norm at practice meets. Team competition, originally promoted at practice meets, is now included in most of the University Interscholastic League’s academic events.