Picture top row L-R: Lynn Reed, Crista Hamilton, Juan Rivera, Dickson Benesh, and Heather Kemmerly. Pictured bottom row L-R: Ashley Sigrest, Patrick Kennedy, Christie Riles, Connie Hill, Amy Maxey, and Ryan Webb.
The mathematics department at MLWGS is dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive and engaging mathematical education that prepares them for both academic success and real-world applications. Our department fosters a positive learning environment where students of all levels can build their mathematical skills, develop critical thinking and gain confidence in problem solving. Tutoring opportunities are provided both after school and during lunch to provide additional student support.
Collectively, the teachers in the math department have nearly 175 years of service to the Governor’s School, holding National Board certifications, Einstein Fellowship, REB Award, Taylor Teaching Award, Coca Cola Educator of Distinction, and other teaching and service awards, but most importantly, a passion for teaching. Their collaborative approach to instruction serves as a model for students.
- Mr. Dickson Benesh combines his interests of mathematics, business, and baseball in his work with application-based classes like Data Analytics, Math Modeling, and Sabermetrics. He has coached teams who have had great success in the SABR Diamond Dollars Competition, the Modeling the Future Challenge, and the MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge. He worked with the reframing of MLWGS 101 and is a go to for anyone who needs data sets.
- Ms. Crista Hamilton, the longest serving member of the math department, has taught almost every course the department offers and often serves as a mentor for her colleagues. She provides both extensive content knowledge and invaluable guidance in curriculum writing. She single-handedly manages the Economics/Personal Finance program and leads the AP Calculus AB and Calculus I (VCU Math 200) courses.
- Mrs. Connie Hill brings a strong focus on fostering positive relationships with her students while creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. She serves as the Honor Council sponsor, a Dragon Advisor, member of school’s scholarship committee and the mathematics department chair on the leadership team. She has led PD sessions around topics such as building trust and fostering academic mindsets in the classroom, what we say and how we say it in the classroom matters, student equity and voice, and growth versus fixed mindsets.
- Mrs. Heather Kemmerly continues to expand her repertoire of courses this year by immersing herself in the BC Calculus experience completing all assignments and assessments right along with the students. She co-coaches the swim team, sponsors the Engineering club, Women in STEM club, and serves as a Dragon Advisor.
- Mr. Patrick Kennedy serves as team lead for Algebra 2. He fosters students’ love of mathematics by sponsoring the Math Club and running the VML and AMC math competitions. He serves as a Dragon Advisor and also sponsors the Climbing, Outdoors, eSports Clubs.
- Ms. Amy Maxey brings math concepts to life by incorporating everyday objects into her classroom, making learning both engaging and relatable. She is passionate about finding innovative teaching methods that cater to her students’ unique learning styles and interests. Ms. Maxey continues to serve as the junior class sponsor managing both homecoming and prom.
- Mrs. Lynn Foshee Reed continues to be an active participant in both the school and the larger mathematical community attending and presenting at various mathematical conferences, serving as an AP Calculus grader, and coordinating guest speakers to share their knowledge and experiences with our students. She serves as the long-time faculty sponsor of our school’s chapter of Mu Alpha Theta (the national math honor society), where she helps our students find ways to use their math strengths in giving back to their school community through tutoring and other activities. She shares her passion for all things math in her classes and the senior seminars she has created.
- Ms. Christie Riles brings her depth of experience not only in education but also in banking into her classroom. She is the lead teacher for the VCU dual enrollment statistics courses and has worked extensively in the reframing and writing of curriculum for MLWGS101. She is the sponsor for various clubs and has also represented her colleagues serving on Faculty Council and Advisory Council.
- Mr. Juan Rivera joined the MLWGS faculty last year. He served in the U.S. Navy for 24 and has experience teaching at both the high school and college level. He brings a unique blend of practical and academic expertise to his teaching. He also serves as the sponsor of the Dragons on the Field intramural sports.
- Dr. Ashley Sigrest uses her years of experience working with data and technology as a basis for real-world examples in her classroom. She searches for ways to incorporate digital assessment tools to provide immediate formative feedback to students. She brings a unique perspective being the parent of both former and current MLWGS students.
- Mr. Ryan Webb continues to build and restructure the AP computer science courses and has collaborated on creating materials for MLWGS101. In the AP classes, he helps support his students in developing and coding their own apps. As a coach, his girls track & field sprint relays are both ranked in the top 5 in the state for the first time.
