3.141592653589793.
Three point one four one five nine two six five three five eight nine seven nine three.
Pi to the fifteenth digit.
Students who memorized the string of numbers stood in line awaiting their turn to rattle off the digits. On March 14, in celebration of Pi day, those who succeeded in reciting the numbers from memory in front of ASB students and math teachers at lunch on the outdoor amphitheatre received three from the following coupons: a free Chipotle burrito, free slurpee from 7-Eleven, coupon to Papa Toni’s, and gift certificates to Rico’s and Juice Stop.
Coupons were donated to the Pi Day event, by various businesses. Chipotle donated 150 free burrito coupons, which are valued at $6 each. Papa Toni’s pizza donated 150 buy a slice, get a slice free coupons. 7-Eleven donated 150 free big gulp or slurpee coupons. Rico’s donated a $20 gift certificate, and Juice Stop donated $25 in gift certificates.
Sophomore Kelly Dittoe was one of many lined on the grass preparing for her turn. “I remembered it [15 digits of pi] in first period today,” she said. I think I’ll probably forget it, but I don’t know.”
Sugar cookies with blue frosting pi symbols were handed out to students in line, and towards the end of lunchtime, the coupon packets that were awarded to those who could memorize pi were given to students who simply stated their favorite kind of pie.
Junior Mike Lopez said, “I just memorized it in two seconds, I mean, it’s easy. I’m pretty excited, we’ll see how it goes, you know.”
Some students even had the minimum 15 digits of pi previously memorized. Freshman Matthew Monforte said, “I memorized it because in seventh grade pre-algebra class, I was bored so I just stared at a pi chart everyday-I got a good grade in the class,” he swiftly added.
The majority of students said they had no difficulty memorizing it. Junior Garrett Vrevich said, “I did it because it was really easy to memorize, and I got free stuff.”
It was common for observers to see and hear fellow students saying the numbers out loud in line, to themselves and practicing with their friends.
Freshman Amanda McDonald said, “Pi Day was an interesting experience for my first year at SDA, it felt very welcoming and rewarding, to be praised for learning.”
For the students, who didn’t think it was enough to memorize just the first 15 digits of pi, there was an additional contest for those who could memorize the most digits.
Math teacher Marcia Pink said, “One girl got 77 digits of pi, with the music and everything going on. It was awesome, I was impressed.”
As for others, simply being there was enjoyment enough. Math teacher Martin Chaker said, “It’s the best day of the year. I was so excited I couldn’t sleep last night.”