AUBURN – Alex Smith, a seventh-grade student at Auburn Middle School, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Jan. 9 and a chance at the $25,000 college scholarship.

Smith answered all of his questions correctly. The school-level bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 18th annual National Geographic Bee.

Thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participate. The school winners take a written test and up to 100 of the top scorers in each state will be eligible to compete in their state bee on March 31.

The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the national championship on May 23 and 24. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship.

“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek will moderate the national finals on May 24. The program will air on television. Check local listings for dates and times.


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