WEST ORANGE, NJ - The Science National Honor Society and the Mu Alpha Theta National Math Honor Societies at West Orange High School capped off the busy awards season on June 11 with the inductions of new members and the distribution of cords to graduating seniors.

Mu Alpha Theta, the National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society

Mu Alpha Theta was created in 1954 by a committee of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics under the chairmanship of Dr. Richard V. Andree of the University of Oklahoma. The committee recognized the need for a club to help overworked high school and two-year college mathematics teachers promote interest in the understanding of mathematics.

In October 1956, a group of mathematicians, under the leadership of Dr. and Mrs. Andree, drew up a constitution for Mu Alpha Theta. The club launched officially in the spring of 1957.

The society is founded on four pillars: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character, which are integrated into the tutoring services and academic competitions Mu Alpha Theta participates in. 

Criteria for Membership

• Members must be high school students in grades 9 through 12.
• Members must be registered with Mu Alpha Theta at the school at which their permanent records reside.
• Members must have completed the equivalent of two years of college preparatory mathematics, including algebra and/or geometry, and have completed or are enrolled in a third year of college preparatory mathematics.
• On the 4-point grading scale, members must have at least a 3.0 math grade point average.

Faculty advisors Jessica Nuzzi and Samantha Heller recounted the successes of the math department during the year and welcomed co-presidents Adarsh Jacob and Ainara Bouzas to address students.

The Science National Honor Society

The organization of the Science National Honor Society is one of volunteers who are teachers, scientists, and business people. These people are dedicated to creating a new cadre of scientific young people who will help to run tomorrow’s high-tech world.

Objectives

• · Encourage and recognize scientific and intelligent thought
• · Advance the students’ knowledge of classical and modern science
• · Communicate with the scientific community
• · Aid the civic community with its comprehension of science
• · Encourage students to participate in community service and, in turn, encourage a dedication to the pursuit of scientific  knowledge that encourages dedication to the pursuit of scientific knowledge that benefits all humankind.

Criteria for Membership

A member must maintain an overall minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0, maintain a minimum unweighted Science GPA of 3.5, and be enrolled in an Honors or AP Science Class in their application year.

Faculty advisors Mickey Schultz and Eric Sternberg discussed the events honor society students participated in during the year. Co-presidents Tyler Lai and Theo Brinkerhoff addressed students. K-12 Science Supervisor Jodi Costanza was also in attendance.

New inductees from both the Math and Science Honor societies were called to the podium to receive certificates, and graduating seniors received their cords for graduation. Many, if not all, of the seniors have selected majors in STEM.

VIEW THE PROGRAM WITH THE NAMES OF NEW INDUCTEES AND CORD RECIPIENTS HERE.

SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE MATH AND SCIENCE HONOR SOCIETIES INDUCTIONS HERE.

Mu Alpha Theta National Math Honor Society 2024–25 Officers: Advisor Samantha Heller, Adarsh Jacob, Ainara Bouzas, Kamya Jariwala, Angeley Delva, Advisor Dr. Jessica Nuzzi

Science National Honor Society 2024–25 officers: Advisor Eric Sternberg, Tyler Lai, Theo Brinkerhoff, Trigal Rosario Taveras, Amanda Walker, Advsior Mickey Schultz