DeSoto ISD Celebrates Inaugural Math Bee, Showcasing Student Excellence in Mathematics
DeSoto Independent School District proudly celebrated the successful completion of its inaugural Math Bee on December 4, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the district’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and STEM education.
Huge congratulations are in order for all of the incredible participants and the following winners:
- 3rd-5th Grade Competition Winners:
- 1st Place – Jaime Espiricueta Garcia;
- 2nd Place – Willaim Keeton;
- 3rd Place – Avigail Green
- 6th-8th Grade Competition Winners:
- 1st Place – Mackenzie Chambers;
- 2nd Place – Mateo Santamaria;
- 3rd Place – Maddox Meekins
The Math Bee, held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the DeSoto High School Community Room during the district’s STEM Family Carnival Night, brought together 46 students from across the district. Seventeen students in grades 3–5 and 29 students in grades 6–8 competed, demonstrating exceptional mathematical fluency, computational accuracy, and mental math skills.
Parents, teachers, staff, classmates, and community members filled the venue, creating an enthusiastic and supportive environment. Audience members cheered as students confidently tackled increasingly complex problems, celebrating not only the winners but every participant who displayed courage, focus, and a passion for learning.
“All of our Math Bee participants exemplified what it means to persevere and think critically,” said Raisha Allen, DeSoto ISD STEM Coordinator. “This event was about more than competition—it was about building confidence, celebrating problem-solving, and showing students that mathematics can be both challenging and exciting.”
District leaders emphasized that the Math Bee aligns with DeSoto ISD’s broader academic mission to cultivate excellence and prepare students for future success.
“The inaugural Math Bee reflects our commitment to providing rigorous, engaging academic opportunities for our scholars,” said Stephanie McCloud, DeSoto ISD Chief Academic Officer. “Events like this strengthen foundational math skills, foster academic confidence, and inspire students to pursue advanced learning experiences that will serve them well in college, careers, and beyond.”
DeSoto ISD recognized all participants and celebrated the Math Bee winners, honoring the dedication and hard work demonstrated by each student. District officials expressed pride in the scholars’ accomplishments and gratitude to families and staff whose support helped make the event a success.
The Math Bee is expected to become a signature district tradition, building community pride, encouraging future student participation in academic competitions, and reinforcing DeSoto ISD’s focus on high-quality STEM programming.