According to the National Honor Society website, almost 1.4 million students in the United States and around the world are members of National Honor Societies.
This year, the math-interested students at DePaul College Prep have a new opportunity presented to them, the Math Honor Society. This will be a new addition to DePaul Prep’s growing list of National Honor Societies offered including Science National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and National Art Honor Society.
The Math Honor Society was created to honor students who excel in mathematics. It helps to spark a deeper interest in the subject. Motivated by other Honor Societies, the Math Honor Society provides a way for students to engage with and explore various fields of study. This society also aims to support collaboration among students. This connection is crucial because it encourages teamwork and problem-solving skills. Ultimately, the Math Honor Society hopes to inspire students to appreciate math, not just as a subject, but as a valuable tool for their future.
Junior Bill Grammatis Cooke helped to start this society, because he noticed a large number of students taking advanced math classes. He wanted to bring these people together and provide more opportunities, competitions, and community service and guest speakers.
“It’s all about creating that community of people who are similar in mindset,” Grammatis Cooke said.
Peter Sisto, the math Department Chair and the sponsor of the upcoming Math Honor Society echoed the enthusiasm of the society. He addressed the need to initially establish the organization in such a way that academic standards remain high, however, it also allows community service opportunities through tutoring and outreach.
Math Honor Society applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.5, and having a math GPA of 3.75 and demonstrated interest in math throughout their coursework. In addition, applicants need to submit an essay that explains why math is important to them and how they plan to contribute to the Honor society.
So far many students have expressed interest in joining, including junior Harper Jordan. Jordan said she was interested in joining because, “I wanted to challenge myself and kind of show that I could overcome some of my academic hurdles.”
This year, the Math Honor Society has many activities planned, which aim to engage students. There will be competitions, many of which will be paper and pencil based. Sisto said, “These competitions will foster companionship and pure interaction.” They will also incorporate many service projects into Math Honor Society, such as tutoring programs where they are hoping to help elementary school students in the neighborhood.
They are also planning to have many guest speakers, and they will be professionals from various fields who will discuss how mathematics plays a role in their careers. Although the events are diverse, they aim to promote a love for math.
As the organization begins to take shape, the leaders are focused on creating an environment that is welcoming to all students who can grow academically and personally.
Sponsor Peter Sisto said, “Although math is the main focus, the society also values the importance of building leadership and community outreach skills.”
As the organization continues to grow, so will the needs and interests of its members. This ongoing evolution will influence its role within the community. Grammatis Cooke said that “the goal is to ensure math is not just a class, however, it’s the key to many options available to students in college and beyond.”
