The Nevada County Superintendent of Schools is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 TechTest Jr. Math Competition! This prestigious tournament, now in its 14th year, continues to celebrate and encourage the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills of our county’s 5th through 8th graders.

This year, an impressive 79 students from 15 schools across Nevada County participated in late February, tackling a rigorous math exam designed to prepare them for future challenges, such as the SAT, ACT, and the TechTest Merit Scholarship program for high school students. The latter awards up to $15,000 in college scholarships annually. This year’s high school exam will take place at Nevada Union High School on Saturday, April 5, 2025. For more information on the high school program, contact dpistone@mtstmarys.org.

TechTest Jr. offers two exam versions, one tailored to 5th and 6th graders and another for 7th and 8th graders, with top finishers recognized with medals, certificates, and an exciting selection of STEM-related prizes, such as robots, quadcopters, science kits, and Raspberry Pi computers.

This year’s competition would not have been possible without the generous support of local businesses and community leaders. AJA Video Systems hosted Day 1, coordinated by Stacey Wiederhold. A special thanks to AJA President Nick Rashby for sharing valuable industry insights with the students and answering their questions.  Students had the opportunity to tour the facility and explore the fascinating world of 3D in movies, gaining insight into how this immersive experience is brought to life. 

Nevada County Media (NCM) hosted Day 2, led by Executive Director Ramona Howard and Studio Administrative Manager Stephanie Simpson, offering students an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at media creation in our community. Students delved into the studio experience, stepping in front of the green screen and marveling at an extraordinary museum showcasing local video history and iconic equipment used on the set of Star Wars.

The success of TechTest Jr. also owes much to the dedication of local community member Peter Murphy for test preparation and grading, as well as former Gilmore math teacher Gordon Sakaue for his assistance in grading. Their contributions, along with the unwavering support of teachers across the county, made this event a true celebration of academic achievement.

We extend heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s winners and participants for their outstanding efforts. Your commitment to math and technology exemplifies the bright future of Nevada County. We also encourage students, educators, and families to explore past TechTest Jr. problems and solutions available at https://www.nevcoexpo.org/home/techtestjr/techtest-practice-tests  to prepare for future competitions.

Nevada County is proud to champion the importance of math education. Events like TechTest Jr. underscore the incredible talent within our community and the opportunities available in Nevada County’s thriving STEM industries. Together, we are shaping the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Congratulations to the TechTest Jr. 2025 winners and all involved! 

5th Grade:

  • Lukas Foster (Cottage Hill) – 1st place
  • Blake Salter (Union Hill) – 2nd place
  • Ryder Beahm (Alta Sierra) – 3rd place
  • Ryland Daniel (Union Hill) – Honorable Mention
  • Bowman Rinne (GV Charter) – Honorable Mention

6th Grade:

  • Richard Crane (GV Charter) – 1st place
  • Jaden Blackman (Union Hill) – 2nd place
  • Ryan Siver (Union Hill) – 3rd place
  • Sullivan Umphress (Yuba River Charter) – Honorable Mention
  • Logan Vanaman-Yardley (Seven Hills) – Honorable Mention

7th Grade:

  • Vera Crane (GV Charter) – 1st place
  • Luukas Coleman (Arete Charter) – 2nd place
  • James Keiser (Seven Hills) – 3rd place
  • Patrick Smith (Magnolia) – Honorable Mention
  • Ella Ketchand (Mount St. Mary’s Academy) – Honorable Mention

8th Grade:

  • Lucas Elardi (Seven Hills) – 1st place
  • Ivy Wayman (Seven Hills) – 2nd place
  • Erik Connor (Arete Charter) – 3rd place
  • Nico Ricciardi (Mount St. Mary’s Academy) – Honorable Mention
  • Emmanuel Partida (Mount St. Mary’s Academy) – Honorable Mention

5th/6th Combined (gets a STEM prize):

  • Richard Crane (6th) – 1st place
  • Jaden Blackman (6th) – 2nd place
  • Ryan Siver (6th) – 3rd place

7th/8th Combined (gets a STEM prize):

  • Vera Crane (7th) – 1st place
  • Lucas Elardi (8th) – 2nd place
  • Ivy Wayman (8th) – 3rd place