In celebration of Pi Day, DeSoto Independent School District hosted a districtwide Pi Day Digit Memorization Competition prior to spring break, highlighting student achievement in mathematics while reinforcing the District’s commitment to making STEM learning engaging, relevant, and fun.
Observed annually on March 14 (3/14), Pi Day commemorates the mathematical constant Pi, the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. First popularized in 1988 at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, Pi Day has grown into a global celebration of mathematics, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and real-world application of math concepts.
DeSoto ISD’s competition challenged scholars across grade bands to memorize and recite as many digits of Pi as possible—an activity that builds memory, concentration, and a deeper appreciation for mathematics as both a discipline and a creative pursuit.
Competition Winners
- Grades K–2: Leia Crawford, Kindergarten – The Meadows Elementary
- Grades 3–5: Jaime Espiricueta García, 5th Grade – Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
- Grades 6–8: Kaylee Otis, 7th Grade – Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
- Grades 9–12: Alexis Smith, 12th Grade – DeSoto High School – Early College High School
Students were recognized for their impressive performances and celebrated with prizes, demonstrating excellence across all grade levels—from early learners to graduating seniors.
Dr. Raisha Allen, DeSoto ISD STEM Coordinator, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative.
“Events like our Pi Day competition bring math to life for our scholars. By creating interactive and engaging opportunities, we help students see STEM not just as academic content, but as something meaningful, relevant, and applicable to the world around them.”
The strong performance of the District’s youngest learners was especially noteworthy. The Meadows Elementary Principal Shauntai Hicks highlighted the significance of early math achievement. “We are incredibly proud of Leia Crawford and her accomplishment. Her performance reflects the power of early learning and the importance of building strong foundational math skills that set the stage for long-term academic success.”
At the secondary level, Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy scholars demonstrated continued excellence, earning top placements in multiple grade bands. Principal Yolanda Hanspard noted that this success reflects the campus’s sustained academic strength.
“Our students’ performance in the Pi Day competition is a reflection of the culture of excellence at Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy. Our consistent recognition as a top-performing school is rooted in strong math achievement, and we are proud to see our scholars continue to excel.”
The Pi Day Digit Memorization Competition is one of many ways DeSoto ISD is fostering a culture of learning and engagement by implementing creative approaches to instruction. Through hands-on experiences, real-world connections, and innovative programming, the District continues to prioritize STEM education as a pathway to future success.
For more information about DeSoto ISD’s STEM initiatives, please visit www.desotoisd.org.