“Pie-Down” in the Courtyard

The Mu Alpha Theta Team’s Pi Day

Photo by Lauren Fantle

3.14159265 – the number that started a national holiday. Pi Day gained national recognition in 2009 when Congress designated March 14, or 3/14, as Pi Day. The intention behind the holiday was to continue the importance of National Science Foundation math and science education programs. This encourages schools and educators to observe the day with appropriate activities that teach students about Pi and engage them about the study of mathematics.

At Maclay, Pi Day is celebrated around campus through the work of Mu Alpha Theta (ΜΑΘ). The events put on are chosen in order to keep the spirit of Pi Day, but also spread information about ΜΑΘ’s recent events.

“We like the positive energy that the pie-in-the-face event brings out of our club members, and the way it allows other teachers and students to play around with us,” ΜΑΘ sponsor John Gussaroff said.

Members of ΜΑΘ celebrate Pi Day with fundraisers in the form of bake sales and pieing teachers and students. The “pie-down” happened in the courtyard on Friday, March 22, when members of ΜΑΘ and teachers volunteered to get pied in the face to raise money. The money they raised went to ΜΑΘ’s State competition fund.

“Well, not only is ‘pie’ day a fun play on words, but it's a fun way to get people engaged if they don't necessarily want to do something math-related,” junior Giada Price said. “Also, I think having an excuse to shove a pie in your friend or teacher's face should never be turned up.”

Pi Day also provided some exposure for ΜΑΘ to recruit new members for next year.

“In general, ΜΑΘ is not just math competitions and math practices,” sophomore Anna Chuku said. “There are a lot more fun things involved.”

The fun that other students witnessed in the courtyard attracted some newcomers and disproved common misconceptions about ΜΑΘ they may have.

“I want people to know that no, ΜΑΘ isn't just for nerds, which is the reputation it usually gets,” Price said. “You can join even if you don't want to compete and just want to improve your math skills! Plus, it's super fun!"