This article was written by Angela Lin, class of 2019.
It’s common to see a championship ring on the finger of an athlete, but not on a mathlete. This year, Heritage’s Mu Alpha Theta team earned the title of national champion for the first time after winning the Mu Alpha Theta National Convention’s sweepstakes July 16-21 in Buffalo, New York. As a result of their win, Mu Alpha Theta members who went to the state and/or national competition received a state and national championship ring.
Almost eight years ago, Mu Alpha Theta advisor Mr. Richard Rovere asked Dr. Doug Laurie, as a joke, if the math team would receive rings if they won state champions. Dr. Laurie decided that if they did indeed win at nationals, then the team would be given rings. After finishing second every year since then, the team finally became national champions this year.
“For me, the importance of [national champions] is significant. It’s not just the hard work of the coaches, it’s more the hard work and commitment of our students, and your school,” said Mr. Rovere.
The joke of receiving a championship ring came true Dec. 13 at 7 pm in the Main Theater. The ceremony started off with a thank you from Mr. Rovere to all the faculty and students who were dedicated to making the dream of national champions come true.The coaches and sponsors were called to the stage to receive their rings followed by the students who attended states and then those who attended nationals. The ceremony concluded with a group picture.
