Are we 40 yet? Kicking off our 40th year | North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

Feeling nostalgic? You can find this and other NCSSM documents and ephemera in the library’s Digital Collections: https://ncssm.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/

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August 23, 2019

If you notice that we’re now celebrating the 40th Convocation of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, you might think for a moment that it’s been 40 years for the school. But convocations mark beginnings of years, while birthdays mark conclusions of them, so we’re really just turning 39 and beginning our 40th year.

It’s confusing.

When is the school’s birthdate, anyway? The state’s lawmakers legislated us into existence in 1978 with funding and political support, destining us to become operational in the future, but that was more the moment of conception than birth. Should we celebrate that day in 1980 when the first class was finally held? If so, then see above — it’s a definite milestone, but we’re really only 39. And who celebrates 39 unless you’re one of those who mark the (fill in the blank) anniversary of their 39th birthday?

Like we said, it’s confusing. With so many 40ths to be acknowledged, we’ve decided to share with you a list that we compiled using sophisticated techniques such as spreadsheets and finger counting and intricately parsed semantics. Stick with us here:

2018 marked 40 years since the school was authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly
On Aug. 14, 2019, we held our 40th Convocation and began our 40th year of operation
In the spring of 2020, we’ll have our 40th prom, among other things
In summer of 2020, we’ll complete our 40th year of operation and begin our 41st
In 2021 we’ll graduate our 40th class
In 2022 the Class of 1982 will celebrate its 40th anniversary of graduating

Technically, you’re only 40 years old for a day. Or a minute. Or maybe even just an infinitesimal instant. In the year prior to that you’re 39+, and in the immediate moments afterward you’re already — gulp — 40+.

There’s one final thing we know as well: We’re coming up on a lot of milestones, and we’re going to celebrate them all. So if it seems over the next few years that we’re always celebrating the 40th of something, it’s because we are.

Also, this: With the entry of the 41st class, that’s the moment we’ll have been around the sun as a school exactly 40 times — the official 40th anniversary moment. So that’s when we’re planning the big party. Stay tuned for details as we get closer!