UNCW hosts Pi day event, area “mathletes” compete

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It’s Pi Day and dozens of “mathletes” are gathered at UNCW to celebrate the well-known number. 

A high school math contest took place at the Burney Center on UNCW’s campus on Thursday. 

140 high school students from 23 area high schools put their brain to the test and experimented with higher levels of math. 

Students also had the opportunity to meet with various departments at the university, specifically within the College of Science and Engineering. 

Lilia Hartwick and Lexa McCorcle are juniors at John T. Hoggard High School. They both are also co-presidents for their school’s math club. 

McCorcle said Thursday’s event was meant to prepare them for college. 

“Especially going into college, we’re both looking at science and STEM majors. Having more challenging math programs and having more challenging math tests available and being in communities like that is really helpful for us at this point in our lives,” McCorcle said. 

Top students from Thursday’s event will go on to compete in the state math contest later this spring.