2025 Citrus Schools Math Field Day: A Celebration of Excellence and Teamwork

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Citrus High School buzzed with energy as students from across the county gathered for the 2025 Citrus Schools Math Field Day. This annual event, hosted by the Citrus County Education Foundation and sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union, provided middle and high school students with an opportunity to showcase their mathematical talents in a spirited and engaging competition.

A Celebration of Math and Problem-Solving

“This competition is a testament to our love for Mathematics in Citrus County. We value perseverance, strategic thinking, teamwork, and creativity,” said Melanie Brodsky, 2025 Math Field Day coordinator and Citrus School District Math Specialist.

Throughout the day, students tackled a series of challenges spanning algebra, geometry, and logic. From solving complex equations to tackling intricate puzzles, participants stretched their intellectual abilities, learning from one another while honing their problem-solving skills.

Teamwork and Camaraderie Take Center Stage

Math Field Day is about more than just numbers—it’s about collaboration. Many events required students to work in teams, emphasizing communication, cooperation, and strategic thinking. This friendly competition fostered mutual respect among students from different schools, reinforcing the idea that mathematics is both a challenge and a shared passion.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert praised the students and organizers, “Today was a fantastic day as we celebrated our math students. I was excited to be a part of this event again this year. Our amazing staff did a wonderful job organizing and running an enjoyable event!”

Recognizing Excellence

Students who demonstrated outstanding mathematical abilities were recognized with ribbons and medals, with the most prestigious honor—the High Point Award—going to the schools with the highest cumulative scores. This year, Inverness Middle School and Lecanto High School claimed the coveted awards in their respective divisions, a testament to their students’ dedication and hard work.

Creativity Shines Through Art

Beyond numbers, Math Field Day also celebrated student creativity through the annual t-shirt design contest. This year’s winning design, created by Danielle Meeks, a ninth grader at Seven Rivers Christian School, added an artistic flair to the event and was proudly worn by participants and supporters alike. Each 1st place student received a t-shirt with young Meeks’ design on it.

Behind the Scenes: The People Who Made It Happen

The success of Math Field Day was made possible by the dedication of school coordinators, volunteers, and district staff. “It was an honor to work with an amazing team, including school coordinators, volunteers, district staff, and community sponsors, who all came together to make this a success for the students and families of Citrus County,” said Brodsky.

A special thanks goes to District Curriculum Supervisor Dr. Balk and LMS Assistant Principal Mr. Ben Davis, who ensured accurate and efficient result tabulation. The event also received strong support from Director of Specialty Programs Darrick Buettner, Chief Academic Officer Amy Crowell, and the school Math Field Day coordinators, including Jaime Mays (Crystal River Middle), Veronica Vaughn (Citrus Springs Middle), Amber DeFiore (Inverness Middle), Shanda Cairns (Lecanto Middle), Rachel DeBeer (Seven Rivers Christian School), Mr. Lambert (Academy of Environmental Science), Eugene Gagne (Citrus High School), Ty Hamilton (Crystal River High School), and Melissa Mitchell (Lecanto High School). Their passion for education and commitment to fostering a love for mathematics in students were evident throughout the event.

Community and Leadership Support

The event would not have been possible without the continued support of Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert and the School Board, whose leadership ensures that initiatives like Math Field Day continue to thrive. A special thank you also goes to Citrus High School Principal Mark Kahler and his team for their hospitality in hosting this year’s event.

Shaunda Burdette, Executive Director of CCEF, highlighted the impact of Math Field Day: “The partnership between Citrus County Education and the Citrus County School District’s Math Field Day, presented by Suncoast Credit Union, is a powerful investment in our students’ futures. By fostering a love for mathematics and problem-solving, this collaboration empowers young mathletes to build confidence, sharpen critical thinking skills, and embrace the challenges of STEM education. Together, we are inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders in Citrus County.”

Looking Forward to Next Year

Math Field Day is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of students’ skills, creativity, and perseverance. As the event concluded, it was clear that students had not only deepened their mathematical understanding but also built valuable skills for their future academic and professional endeavors.

As Melanie Brodsky enthusiastically summed up, “I cannot wait for next year!”

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