La Plata, Md. — Charles County Public Schools fourth- and fifth-grade students tested their math skills April 11, 2026, during the annual Elementary Mathematics Challenge held at Theodore G. Davis Middle School in Waldorf.
The competition, sponsored by the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, aims to boost interest in mathematics among young learners by making the subject fun and engaging. SMECO sponsors similar events each year in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
Teams consist of fourth- and fifth-graders who show strong interest in math. Students practice throughout the school year with coaches and teammates on above-grade-level material while developing skills in collaboration, active listening and perseverance.
The challenge included an individual mathematics assessment. Select team members then advanced to represent their schools in the group challenge. Team scores combined individual and team challenge results.
In the fourth-grade individual competition, Matthew Nadasky of William A. Diggs Elementary School took first place. Greyson Moss of Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School placed second, and Andre Griggs of J.P. Ryon Elementary School finished third.
Fifth-grade individual winners were John Wheeler of Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School in first place, Deven Jackson of Mary B. Neal Elementary School in second, and Francis Blumhardt of Dr. James Craik Elementary School in third.
Fourth-grade team results showed Mary H. Matula Elementary School in first place, Dr. James Craik Elementary School in second, Berry Elementary School in third, T.C. Martin Elementary School in fourth, and Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School in fifth.
Fifth-grade team winners were Mary H. Matula Elementary School in first, Dr. James Craik Elementary School in second, Mary B. Neal Elementary School in third, Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School in fourth, and Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School in fifth.
The event aligns with broader efforts in Southern Maryland to strengthen STEM education. Local school systems, including Charles County Public Schools, work alongside SMECO to promote math and science skills that support future workforce needs in a region with growing federal facilities, defense-related jobs and emerging industries.
Charles County students join peers from neighboring counties in similar academic challenges. In St. Mary’s County, the SMECO Elementary Math Challenge occurred earlier in March 2026 with its own set of winners. The cooperative also sponsors the annual MATHCOUNTS competition for middle school students across the tri-county area.
Charles County Public Schools officials highlighted the competition as an opportunity for students to apply classroom learning in a competitive yet supportive setting. The event draws participation from multiple elementary schools and recognizes both individual achievement and team collaboration.
Results from the Charles County challenge are consistent with the cooperative’s long-standing commitment to education in the region. SMECO provides resources and sponsorship to help make math accessible and exciting for elementary students.
