GSA wins Downeast Math League
School also has strong showing at state jazz festival with bronze medal win
“Mathletes” from George Stevens Academy won the top spot among all schools in Hancock and Washington counties. Photo courtesy of GSA.
March 23, 2026
By staff
BLUE HILL–Students from George Stevens Academy placed first overall in the Downeast Math League, outperforming schools across Hancock and Washington counties and positioning themselves as strong contenders for the upcoming state meet.
The competition brings together top math students from across the region. GSA officials said the team now has “a good chance” of winning the statewide competition scheduled for April 7.
Several GSA students earned individual honors in their respective grade levels:
Charles Bach placed third among 9th graders
Hazel Kimball placed third among 10th graders
Luke Lamontanaro placed first among 10th graders
Acadia Simmons placed second among 11th graders
Lorenzo Argentati placed first among 11th graders and second overall in the competition
School officials credited coach Isaac Vaccaro and the team—often referred to as “Mathletes”—for the strong showing.
The academic success comes alongside another strong performance by GSA student musicians at the Maine State Jazz Festival, held March 14 at Hampden Academy.
GSA brought three ensembles to the festival, each earning recognition.
The honors combo, “Reptilicus,” received a silver medal rating. The group featured Herschel Bach on keyboard, Eddie Crownover on guitar, Bailey Townsend on bass, Fox Sweimler on drums, Acadia Simmons on alto saxophone, Annabelle Kneisel on tenor saxophone and flute, and Logan Townsend on trumpet. Townsend was also named an outstanding festival soloist.
An after-school combo, “Pavlov’s Cats,” also earned a silver rating. Directed by Chris Pirsos, the group includes Cody Chattin on guitar, Levi Lyman on bass, Owen Hughes on drums, Paloma Kassof on keyboard, Amelia Watters on trumpet, Rebecca Ongaro on vocals, and Porter Gilbert on tenor saxophone. Ongaro was recognized as an outstanding soloist.
The GSA Jazz Band received a bronze medal for its performance.
School officials said students had been preparing for the festival since November, crediting both the performers and their families for months of work leading up to the event.
