Citrus Students Shine at Science and Engineering Fair with Creativity and Critical Thinking

The 2025–2026 Citrus Regional Science and Engineering Fair at the Citrus Springs Community Center was nothing short of extraordinary. Each year I leave this event impressed, and each year our students somehow raise the bar even higher. Once again, the projects on display exceeded expectations. The level of mastery, confidence in presentation, and depth of understanding demonstrated by our elementary, middle, and high school students was truly inspiring.

What stood out most was not just creativity, but the critical thinking behind these projects. These students are asking meaningful questions, designing thoughtful experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and applying higher-order thinking skills in ways that rival work at much higher levels. Listening to them explain their methodology, defend their conclusions, and reflect on their findings reminded me that the future of science and engineering is in capable hands right here in Citrus County.

While there were many remarkable projects across all grade levels, I had the opportunity to spend time learning about two in particular that perfectly illustrate the strength of this year’s fair.

Addison Keen of Lecanto Middle School asked a simple but fascinating question: “Do bees have a favorite flower hue?” She designed a careful experiment, placing eight different colored cloths near a beehive and tracking bee activity during 30-minute trials. Although she predicted pink would attract the most bees, her data showed blue was the clear favorite, averaging 65 bees per trial, with yellow close behind. Through further research, Addison discovered that bees cannot see red and are naturally drawn to blue and purple tones because they can detect ultraviolet light. Her project is a wonderful example of the scientific process in action, showing that real learning happens not when we are right, but when we seek to understand why.

Madison Brault, an IB student at Lecanto High School, presented advanced research on animal behavior in her project, “How Time of Day Affects Preening Behavior and Welfare in Captive African Penguins.” Observing a colony of 12 penguins virtually over nine days, she compared behavior during quiet morning hours to busier afternoons when zoo attendance increased. Her findings were significant: total preening dropped from a morning average of 86.8 to 47.0 in the afternoon, with social grooming showing the sharpest decline. Using statistical analysis to support her conclusions, Madison highlighted an important consideration for conservation programs: even well-designed habitats may not fully shield animals from environmental stress.

Beyond individual projects, what makes this event so powerful is the community behind it. I am deeply grateful to the school-based science fair coordinators, teachers, and volunteer judges who made this event possible. Their commitment to fostering curiosity and innovation is evident in every display board and confident student presentation. They are planting seeds of inquiry that will continue to grow for years to come.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to the parents and families who encouraged late nights of research, helped gather materials, and listened to countless practice presentations. Your support is the foundation that allows these young scientists and engineers to shine.

Special appreciation goes to Citrus County Schools Science TOSA Meg Richardson and the incredible Education Service Team for their leadership and organization. Their attention to detail and dedication ensured that every participant had a positive and memorable experience.

We are also grateful for the generous support of the Citrus County Education Foundation and their event partners, whose investment in our students helps make opportunities like this possible.

As I walked through the Citrus Springs Community Center, I was reminded that science fairs are about far more than ribbons and awards. They are about curiosity, perseverance, resilience, and discovery. They are about students learning that even when results are unexpected, there is value in the journey. Most of all, they are about young minds daring to ask why and having the courage to seek the answer.

Citrus County should be incredibly proud of these students. If this year’s fair is any indication, the future is bright, inquisitive, and full of possibility.

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