WBHS students inducted into Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society

Mu Alpha Theta is the National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor
Society. Its purpose is to inspire a keen interest in mathematics, encourage academic excellence,
and promote the enjoyment of mathematical study. This year marks the inaugural year of the
William Byrd High School Chapter. A ceremony was held on May 19 to celebrate the first class
of inducted members and the beginning of a tradition that will continue for years to come.

“This evening is especially meaningful for our school, as this is the very first year of our Mu
Alpha Theta chapter,” said Principal Evan Noell. “Together, we have built something new,
something that will continue long after tonight.

“Because this is our inaugural year, this group of students is unique. For the first and only time,
every member of our chapter is being inducted together. That makes this ceremony not just a
recognition of achievement, but the beginning of a tradition.

“It took time and persistence to reach this point. Our ceremony comes near the end of the school
year as we worked through the process of becoming an officially recognized chapter. That
journey reflects something important about mathematics itself— sometimes the best results come
after persistence, patience, and a willingness to keep working until everything finally clicks.

“We also recognize a moment of transition. Seven of our members will be graduating, taking
what they have learned and accomplished here into their next chapter. Our underclassmen will
carry this chapter forward, building on what has been started here and continuing to grow this
organization in the years ahead.

“To all of our inductees, your presence here represents not only strong academic achievement,
but curiosity, perseverance, and a willingness to take on challenges. These are qualities that
extend far beyond the classroom.

“And to our families, friends, and faculty— thank you for your support. Whether you’ve helped
with homework, encouraged late-night studying, or simply listened to explanations of problems
you may or may not have fully understood, you’ve played an important role in these students’ success. It is truly an honor to celebrate this milestone with you and to officially begin what we
know will be a lasting and meaningful tradition at our school.”

Geometry instructor Shayna Hastings, who is the sponsor of the chapter, recognized the officers
for the WBHS Mu Alpha Theta Chapter.

“As a brand-new chapter, these students didn’t just step into leadership roles— they helped build
this organization from the ground up. That takes initiative, responsibility, and a willingness to
figure things out along the way… which, as we know, is a very mathematical skill.”

 Braeden Booth, President
 Sarah Nguyen, Vice President
 Jayden Niday, Secretary
 Brooke Justus, Treasurer
 Gavin Thornton, Academic Outreach Director
 Matt Sloane, Senior Representative
 Alexis Short, Junior Representative
 Levi Whitcomb, Sophomore Representative
 Claire Draper, Freshman Representative

Booth addressed the candidates for induction into Mu Alpha Theta.

“It is an honor to be selected for membership in an organization with more than 2,100 chapters
across the United States and around the world. Each of you has met the requirements for
membership through your dedication and achievement in mathematics. The purpose of Mu
Alpha Theta is to inspire a deeper interest in mathematics. This year, as part of our very first
chapter, our members have already begun making an impact beyond the classroom. We are
proud to have launched a peer tutoring program, providing support to fellow students in our
school community. This reflects what Mu Alpha Theta is truly about— not only excelling in
mathematics but in using those skills to help others succeed.”

Four inductees reflected on the “History and Impact of Mathematics,” including Sophie
Hoagland, Allison Phillips, Norah Buck, and Zane Telsch.

“Membership in Mu Alpha Theta is an honor earned through dedication, perseverance, and
excellence in mathematics,” said Hastings.

To become a member of Mu Alpha Theta, a student must have completed the equivalent of two
years of college preparatory mathematics, including algebra and/or geometry, and have
completed or be enrolled in a third year of college preparatory mathematics. They must also have
at least a 3.0 GPA.

Noell recognized underclassmen inductees: Tayler Austin, Eleanor Ball, Logan Blevins,
Madelyn Brown, Nate Buck, Norah Buck, Olivia Bush, Heidi Dixon, Claire Draper, Michal
Hamlar, Sophie Hoagland, Landon Hollins, Marygann Jenkins, Naleigh Lewis, Elena Mullen,
Sarah Nguyen, Kendall Norton, Giovanni Pandolfini, David Pham, Allison Phillips, Mia Pippin,
Jamya Rosborough, Alexis Short, Aubrey Sink, Ramsey Stephens, Zane Telsch, Gavin Thornton, McKayla Tingler, Jacey Weddle, Aaden Whitaker, Levi Whitcomb, Heidi Wienke, and Hendrix
Wright.

Graduating members of the inaugural chapter were also recognized: Braeden Booth, Asher
Claybrook, Alexander Hastings, Brooke Justus, Jayden Niday, Carlee Partleton, and Matthew
Sloane.

Hastings then administered the pledge: “I pledge to uphold the standards of Mu Alpha Theta, to
strive for excellence in mathematics, and to use my knowledge to contribute positively to my
school and community.”

New officers were announced for 2026-2027 and the gavel was passed to transfer leadership:

 President – Gavin Thornton
 Vice President – Zane Telsch
 Secretary – Levi Whitcomb
 Treasurer – Ethan Hastings
 Senior Representative – Allison Phillips
 Junior Representative – Norah Buck

“To all of our members, we are proud of your accomplishments and excited to see the impact
you will continue to make both inside and outside the classroom,” Hastings said.

~Submitted by Shayna Hastings