News Summary
Two St. Mary’s Academy students, Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson, have independently proven the Pythagorean Theorem using trigonometry, a feat formerly deemed impossible. Their proof, submitted to the American Mathematical Society, along with five additional proof methods, gained national attention and showcased their remarkable understanding of mathematics. The principal of St. Mary’s expressed pride in their achievement, which highlights the school’s commitment to academic excellence and empowerment of young women.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Two students from St. Mary’s Academy have made history by independently proving the Pythagorean Theorem using trigonometry, a feat that was previously considered impossible. Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson, who graduated in 2023, submitted their proof to the American Mathematical Society in March 2023, drawing national attention for their groundbreaking work.
The principal of St. Mary’s Academy, Pamela Rogers, acknowledged the achievement of these students, emphasizing that the school community was not surprised by their success. Rogers stated that students at St. Mary’s are encouraged to believe they can achieve great things, and indeed, the institution has a remarkable track record, boasting a 100% graduation and college admission rate for the past 19 years.
Their mathematical discovery was confirmed through peer review and contributed to their recognition at the American Mathematical Society’s conference. During their research, Johnson and Jackson not only proved the theorem but also uncovered five additional methods of proof, showcasing their profound understanding of mathematics.
Academic Excellence and Background of St. Mary’s Academy
Founded by Henriette Delille in 1867, St. Mary’s Academy is committed to educating young African American women in New Orleans. Delille, a Creole nun, established the Sisters of the Holy Family in 1842, creating one of the earliest Black Catholic sisterhoods in America. Though the original school building was demolished following the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina, St. Mary’s Academy has been rebuilt and has expanded its enrollment for younger grades.
Despite the setbacks from Hurricane Katrina, St. Mary’s Academy continues to promote academic excellence. The institution has seen a growth in attendance since the disaster, although it remains below pre-Katrina numbers. Both Johnson and Jackson contributed to this academic legacy by graduating with nearly $3 million in scholarship offers, which included full-ride scholarships to Xavier University and Louisiana State University, respectively.
Personal Narratives and Community Impact
The personal stories of Johnson and Jackson reflect the resilience of the community surrounding St. Mary’s Academy. Ne’Kiya Jackson was born to a family that had evacuated to Georgia due to Hurricane Katrina, while Calcea Johnson spent her early years living in a FEMA trailer after her home was flooded. Their backgrounds are a testament to the challenging circumstances that many students at St. Mary’s have faced.
In light of their achievements, former basketball star Charles Barkley has pledged a $1 million donation to the school, further solidifying the institution’s commitment to excellence in education. This financial support will aid in the continued growth of the academy and its mission to empower young women through education and community involvement.
Calcea Johnson expressed her dedication to addressing climate change and flood issues in New Orleans after completing her environmental engineering studies. The commitment to improving their community and the initial groundbreaking work underscores the attitude that students at St. Mary’s Academy can achieve anything they set their minds to, despite and even because of the challenges they have faced.
As the school continues to grow and adapt in the years following Hurricane Katrina, the achievements of students like Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson serve as a source of inspiration not only for the academy but also for the broader community of New Orleans. Their success in proving the Pythagorean Theorem serves as a reminder of the power of education and determination.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: St. Mary’s Academy Day of Service
- Wikipedia: Pythagorean Theorem
- WWLTV: St. Mary’s Academy Pythagorean Theorem
- Google Search: Pythagorean Theorem History
- Black Enterprise: St. Mary’s Academy Donations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pythagorean Theorem
- WWLTV: St. Mary’s Academy Marching Band
- Google News: St. Mary’s Academy New Orleans
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