LISBON – Jessy Bosse, an eighth-grade student at Philip W. Sugg Middle School, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Jan. 10 and a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship.

“Jesse is a great student to work with and she is preparing for the next part of the competition,” said Kathy Wheat, who coached the winner.

The school-level bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 20th annual National Geographic Bee, sponsored by the National Geographic Society.

The kickoff for this year’s bee was held the week of Nov. 12, in which thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participated. The school winners, including Bosse, will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers in each state will be eligible to compete in their state bee on April 4.

The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the national championship on May 20 and 21. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the society.

“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek will moderate the national finals on May 21. The program will air on television. Check local listings for dates and times.

Anyone can brush up on geography will GeoBeeChallenge, an online geography quiz at www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee, which poses 10 new questions a day.

For more information on events and special programs at the school, contact Monica Millhime, community resource coordinator for the Lisbon School Department, by calling 754-0021 or e-mailing [email protected].