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For Immediate Release
May 29, 2026
KALISPELL, Mont. — Jacob Braach, a junior at Flathead High School, has been named the 2025-2026 Montana State Trig-Star and will represent Montana at the National Trig-Star Competition this June.
Jacob earned the top score in the state after a perfect 100 percent finish at the local chapter competition held at Flathead High School on Thursday, April 23. He completed the 60-minute exam in 31 minutes and 49 seconds, with the fastest time serving as the tiebreaker for the highest score. His score was then submitted to the state competition, where it ranked first in Montana.
Jacob completed the 120-minute National Trig-Star exam on Tuesday, May 13. National results are expected in mid-June. He began competing in math contests during middle school under teacher Peter Musick, where he participated in MathCounts and Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) competitions. Jacob later joined the Flathead High School Math Club under advisor Jenna Nichols and has competed in both the MCTM and Trig-Star competitions.
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"For the past two years, I placed second in the local chapter Trig-Star competition, so winning state this year feels really rewarding. I enjoy math competitions because they're fun and challenging. After high school, I plan to attend college to pursue a music degree. I play the French horn."
— Jacob Braach, Flathead High School Junior
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Chapter and State Awards
$500
Cash award
$1,250
Scholarship
Graphing calculator
Awarded to chapter and state winner
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National Competition Prizes
$4,000
National Champion
$2,000
National Runner-Up
$1,000
Third Place
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About the Trig-Star Competition
Sponsored by the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), the Trig-Star Competition challenges students to apply trigonometry and problem-solving skills to practical, real-world situations. The contest highlights the role of mathematics in careers such as surveying, engineering, and mapping while recognizing students who excel in advanced math.
The local chapter competition is a 60-minute exam in which the highest score wins and the fastest completion time serves as the tiebreaker. The national exam is 120 minutes.
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"I've really enjoyed working with Jacob over the past three years in Math Club. His enthusiasm for mathematics is contagious, and he genuinely enjoys helping others solve challenging problems. Jacob has dedicated countless hours preparing for the Trig-Star competition, and it's exciting to see his hard work pay off. I'm proud to see him represent Montana at the national competition."
— Jenna Nichols, FHS Math Club Advisor
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Photos
Jacob Braach holds his Trig-Star Certificate of Participation while wearing his lucky math tie, which he has worn at every math competition.
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From left: Jenna Nichols, FHS Math Club advisor; Jacob Braach, 2025-2026 Montana State Trig-Star; and Jamie Reed of Sands Surveying, Inc., who oversees the local Trig-Star competition.
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