Where Curiosity Leads: The 2026 Regional Science and Engineering Fair

Last night, February 20, 2026, the Miles Teller Theater at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium came alive with energy as families, students, educators, and community leaders gathered for the 2026 Citrus County Regional Science and Engineering Fair Awards Ceremony. The event celebrated student achievement in science and engineering while highlighting the overall strength of STEM education across the district. Hosted through the generous support of Citrus Oral and Facial Surgery and Dr. Rushi S. Patel, D.D.S., Ph.D., in collaboration with the Citrus County Education Foundation, the ceremony honored the curiosity, discipline, and innovation of Citrus County’s young researchers.

Students from elementary, middle, and high schools across Citrus County, representing both public and private institutions, were recognized for the depth and quality of their scientific research. The evening reflected more than individual success; it underscored a districtwide commitment to cultivating critical thinking, experimentation, and real world problem solving at every grade level. The diversity of projects on display demonstrated both creativity and rigorous scientific methodology.

In the competitive divisions, middle and high school participants earned first, second, and third place awards across numerous categories. In addition, a variety of specialty honors were made possible through the generous support of community partners. Organizations such as Duke Energy, Tim Herndon Plumbing, and Keep Citrus County Beautiful recognized students whose projects demonstrated exceptional innovation, environmental awareness, and applied scientific thinking.

School High Point Awards were presented to the campuses earning the greatest cumulative number of honors. Lecanto Middle School once again led the middle school division, while the Academy of Environmental Science achieved the highest distinction among high schools. Their Science and Engineering Fair coordinators, Randy Headlee of Lecanto Middle School and Ciera Markey and Jessie Garritano of the Academy of Environmental Science, proudly accepted the awards on behalf of their students and faculty teams.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the presentation of the Ronald J. Worthington Award for Scientific Excellence. Named in honor of former Lecanto High School science educator Ronald J. Worthington, the award recognizes exemplary achievement in research and scientific inquiry. Sponsored once again by Citrus Oral and Facial Surgery, Dr. Rushi S. Patel reflected on how Mr. Worthington inspired his own passion for science and influenced countless students. This year’s recipient, Sarah Duncan, a Biomedical Science student from the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School, received the prestigious award along with a $1,000 scholarship for her outstanding research.

Another highlight was the presentation of the Tim Herndon Plumbing Innovation Award, which honors forward thinking projects that embody creativity and practical application. Juvens Vital of Citrus High School received the top $1,000 Innovation Award. As he accepted the honor, Tim Herndon personally congratulated him and offered words of encouragement to continue pursuing innovation and excellence. Additional Innovation Award recipients included Kylie Brault and Shelby Clark of Lecanto Middle School, each receiving $250, and Asher Goodbred of Citrus Springs Elementary School, who received $100.

Specialty Award Recipients

Citrus County Education Foundation
• Keegan Finamore (Homosassa Elementary School): $50, Elementary
• Trevor Fowler (Crystal River Middle School): $50, Middle
• Deklin Lemming (Citrus High School): $50, High

Duke Energy
• Bella Thorpe (Crystal River Elementary School): Elementary Award
• Connor Breese (Crystal River Middle School): Middle School Award
• Audrina Taylor (Academy of Environmental Science): High School Award

Explorida Adventure Awards
• Abigail Innes (Citrus High School): Swim Certificate
• Jillian Fann (Lecanto High School): Swim Certificate

FAST
• Kennedy Powell (Citrus Springs Elementary School): $50 Certificate, Elementary
• Maya Patel (Lecanto Middle School): $50 Certificate, Middle
• Louis Alarcon (Citrus High School): $50 Certificate, High

RSEF Director’s Award
• Layla Steffek (Lecanto Middle School): Gift Bag
• Devin Pochis (Crystal River Middle School): Gift Bag

Keep Citrus County Beautiful
• Eleanor Miller and Gabriel Wyka (Floral City Elementary School): Two $50 checks, Elementary
• Lydian Allen (Crystal River Middle School): $150, Middle
• Kanav Mathur (Lecanto High School): $250, High

TOOFAR
• Dalton Medders (Academy of Environmental Science): $200
• Madelyn Baumer (Citrus High School): $200

Tim Herndon Plumbing Innovation Awards
• Juvens Vital (Citrus High School): $1,000
• Kylie Brault (Lecanto Middle School): $250
• Shelby Clark (Lecanto Middle School): $250
• Asher Goodbred (Citrus Springs Elementary School): $100

Ronald J. Worthington Award
• Sarah Duncan (Crystal River High School): $1,000

A particularly inspiring component of the ceremony was the recognition of elementary students who qualified at the regional level and were presented with medallions. This acknowledgment reinforces the district’s commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity from an early age. By introducing young learners to the principles of research, experimentation, and structured inquiry, Citrus County Schools are building a lasting foundation for academic growth and future careers in STEM fields.

The evening concluded with the announcement of those advancing to the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida in March. These outstanding students demonstrated excellence in research design, analysis, and innovation, earning their place among Florida’s top young scientists.

The success of the Citrus County Regional Science and Engineering Fair depends greatly on the dedication of volunteer judges from across the community. Each judge is thoughtfully assigned to a category aligned with their professional expertise to ensure knowledgeable and equitable evaluations. We extend our sincere appreciation to these individuals and to the businesses that support their participation.

Special thanks are extended to Citrus Oral and Facial Surgery, the Citrus County Education Foundation, Duke Energy, HCA Florida, Tim Herndon Plumbing, Keep Citrus County Beautiful, The Runk Family, Inverness Kiwanis, Explorida Adventure Center, River Ventures, SECO Energy, Dr. Christopher Keen and Family, the Florida Association of Science Teachers, and Cengage School for their generous sponsorship.

A heartfelt thank you is also extended to Meg Richardson, District Science TOSA and the 2026 Citrus County Regional Science and Engineering Fair district coordinator, along with all school site coordinators who invested significant time and effort into guiding students and organizing this outstanding event.

Finally, we express gratitude to the parents, families, and friends whose encouragement and support make these achievements possible. As we celebrate this year’s accomplishments, we look forward to the continued growth of the Citrus County Regional Science and Engineering Fair and to the bright future ahead for these remarkable young innovators.

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