“We’re sad to see that the program is going to be halted. But we’re happy that it is just a halt and it may be restarted soon.”
Transpacific International comprises Coca-Cola Beverage Company (Micronesia) Inc., Subway Investments Corp., Foremost Foods Saipan, Glimpses of Saipan and Foremost Scoops.
Fong said their group of companies has always been supportive of educational programs such as Mathcounts.
Transpacific International has been a major sponsor of the math competition for so many years, he added.
“We hope that Mathcounts will grow even bigger when it gets back,” he said.
Efrain F. Camacho, president of EFC Engineers and Architects and organizer of the yearly competition, accepted the donation on behalf of Mathcounts.
The organization said the local competition will be put on hold only briefly.
“Once we reopen our engineering firm, in a year or so, we will start Mathcounts again,” Camacho said.
As for those who are disappointed to see the competition put on hold, Camacho has this to say: “Continue to study because we will be back in about a year. Just continue studying and look for us.”
Camacho eagerly anticipates the prospects for the four students who will represent the CNMI in the Mathcounts national competition.
“We’re excited to send the kids and their coach to Florida. We’re now making arrangements with Northwest Airlines. We’re all set to go,” he said.
The four local Mathcounts delegates are Ji Hoon Choi and Jang Min Jeong of Calvary Christian Academy; Jun Hyeon Joon of Saipan International School; and Oh Hye Young of Marianas Baptist Academy.
The students will be accompanied by their coach, Valerie Pritchard.
EFC Engineers & Architects held the 16th Mathcounts competition on March 7 this year at the multipurpose center in Susupe.
The national competition will be held on May 7-10 at the Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
