Students vie to represent Alaska in National Geographic Bee

Alaska students will compete in the National Geographic state-level Bee Friday, April 4 at the Egan Center in Anchorage. One hundred fourth through eighth graders from schools across the state will participate. The contestants each won their school’s bee and passed a qualifying test.

Students are quizzed not just on geographic locations but must also be familiar with the inter-connectedness of geography, current events and map terminology.

Brian Ross, left, Geographic Bee moderator in 2013, takes a selfie with Kenny Petrini of Central Middle School at last year's bee. Petrini was the state champion.

Preliminary rounds in the morning will determine the top 10 finalists who compete in the afternoon for first place. The winner will represent the state at the National Geographic Bee May 19-21 in Washington, D.C. The national winner receives a $25,000 college scholarship, lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society and a trip to the Galapagos Islands.

For additional information on the National Geographic Bee and sample questions please visit www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee.