Come to the math side. We have Pi

Macey Wobbema, a senior at New Rockford-Sheyenne High School, came up with an idea to help others remember beloved math teacher Mark Johnston.

Pi day, 3.14, was Mr. J's favorite day of the year. On that day, students in his math class would always eat pie in honor of the special occasion.

As this is her last year at NR-S, Wobbema wanted to do something to remember her teacher who passed away in August 2020. With the help of graphic designer Sydney Ulrich at Transcript Publishing, she designed a t-shirt befitting of him. Wobbema and Ulrich connected over memories of math class with Mr. J, even though their high school experiences were separated by 10 years.

The order was open on Feb. 1, Johnston's birthday. Within minutes of the website launch, orders started flowing in. By the time the order had closed, his former students, fellow staff and other community members had purchased over 50 t-shirts.

The t-shirts were shared on social media and published in the Transcript. Here are a few of the comments from community members:

"Thinking of Mr. J today and the impact he had on the lives of so many NR-S youth, including my own kids," said Transcript publisher Amy Wobbema.

"Always loved that he celebrated pi day! It meant no matter what I always got a slice of pie on my birthday," Katie (Demester) Eggermont chimed in.

"Gone, but never forgotten." Cassidy Clifton added.

Sydney's mom Glenda Collier concluded, "He was a great teacher, mentor, coach and friend."

The Transcript donated $5 of every shirt purchased to Eddy County Community Cares, the local organization that works to foster mental health and suicide prevention.

Let's wear them every year on pi day to remember Mr. J! And while you're at it, enjoy a piece of pie in his memory.

Shirts are still available to order. To get yours, call the Transcript at (701) 947-2417 or stop by our office.