This week we Take Five with Spencer Englander, a senior at West Milford High School and president of the Math Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta. Spencer certainly is a smart Highlander but he also has a fun, Ferris Bueller side too. Be sure to read our Bonus Five with Spencer on our Web site, www.westmilfordmessenger.com. And be sure to come back next week for our next Take Five. 1) How did you get involved in the math honors society? I got involved with Mu Alpha Theta during my junior year after being approached by my teacher and being made aware of my meeting of the set requirements for entry. 2) Who is your biggest inspiration? My biggest inspirations are my parents and my sister. My family is always there for me. They get me through any obstacles and they are hardworking, encouraging people. 3) Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why? My favorite teacher of all time is Ms. Gennett. I have had the privilege of being in Ms. Gennett’s class three years in a row. She was my teacher for geometry, pre-calculus and trigonometry, as well as my honors calculus teacher this year. Ms. Gennett’s hardworking, caring, and knowledgeable attitude makes attending her class a pleasure and makes learning mathematics easy and fun! 4) Share a favorite moment with the math honors society. My favorite moment with Mu Alpha Theta was the induction ceremony on Nov. 28. It was such an honor to induct the new members of Mu Alpha Theta along with a great ceremony that was organized by our high school’s own Mrs. Gretina, Mathematics Department supervisor, and Ms. Gennett. I loved spreading the importance and knowledge of mathematics to my peers as well as speaking about the history of Mu Alpha Theta with our vice president and secretary, Anna Niemiec and Kelsey Vanderbeek. 5) What is your favorite movie/book/character and why? My favorite movie is probably Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. I think this movie is really funny and it’s a classic! Bonus Five 6) What would most people be surprised to know about math honors society? Most people would be surprised to know that Mu Alpha Theta started all the way back in 1957 and there are over 1,500 chapters nationally and globally. 7) Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island. If I was on a deserted island I would bring my cell phone, sunscreen, and a boat stocked with gasoline. 8) What does being a Highlander mean to you? To me, being a Highlander means having great school spirit as well as always having a positive outlook on each and every challenge that you are presented with. 9) What do you do with your time when you are not busy with the math honors society? When I’m not involved with Mu Alpha Theta, I spend my time working, hanging out with my friends, or studying. I also am an active fourth-year member of the high school’s Environmental Club and the Interact Club. Environmental Club focuses on spreading knowledge of environmental concerns and awareness and the Interact Club is a volunteer service oriented group. 10) Share something no one knows about you. Something that many people don’t know about me would be that I skipped a grade in elementary school and I’m at least a full year, almost two years younger than everyone in my class. Congratulations to Spencer! And you've got good taste in classic movies, too. We’re betting you don't skip too much school though. Do you know someone who should be featured here at Take Five? You can nominate the great kids in your life. Just send us their name and email address to njoffice@strausnews.com. Tell us who and why. We want to feature all the great kids of West Milford.