Mu Alpha Theta — Math Honors Society
“Mathematics may not teach us how to add love or subtract hate, but it gives me
every reason to hope that every problem has a solution.”
In Korea International School, there is only one math honors society, Mu Alpha
Theta(MAT). This club is only eligible for students whose math grade is over 3.33. It is divided
into two groups, which are honors society members and associate members. In order to
become a formal member of MAT, a student should had finished learning Algebra 2 and
Geometry, which includes juniors and seniors. However, in order to become the formal member,
a student should serve as an associate member a year, and currently, there are 5 associate
members in MAT. The names are: Brandon Noh(10), Caitlin Kim(10), Daniel Kim(9), Erin
Song(10), and Steven Kim(10). There are 4 formal members, and the names are: Anne Lee(11),
Esther Kang(11), Jay Moon(11), and Lynn Woo(11). Currently, MAT is working on for local
competition in Jeju and in KIS, and also trying to participate in the world competitions next year.
Recently, MAT held a “golden-bell” competition in KIS, and about 20 students
participated in this competition. In this match, each person had a white board and a marker to
write his or her answer on the white board. There were total 3 lives, and the remaining person
gained the 1st place. Jake Park(11), the winner, received 50,000 happy money. Esther Kim(11),
2nd place, received 20,000 happy money. Jack Min(10), 3rd place, received 10,000 happy
money. Through this competition, participants were able to acknowledge their abilities in math in
diverse fields, not only specified into algebra and geometry. They got to know their status in their
school, and get motivations how much they should put much more efforts and time in their
studying.
Next year, Mu Alpha Theta would be able to prosper in much various ways, since more
club members will be joining. They are already planning for what competition they are going to
join. Also, the club’s sponsor, math teacher Rocco Ghezzi, wants group competitions because it
can build up fellowship, friendship, responsibility, and teamwork within members of the group.
Platform Post Jeju looks forward to what Mu Alpha Theta would elicit for not only KIS, but for the
world community as a whole.
