Templeton Middle School eighth-grader Katelyn Youngblood won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee. Eighth-graders Alane Boyle and Lindsay James were the second and third place runners-up, respectively. The students answered oral questions about geography Jan. 10 at the school-level bee, which is the first round in the 18th National Geographic Bee sponsored by the National Geographic Society.
Templeton students participated in the semi-final school round Jan. 6 and eight semi-finalists were chosen. In addition to Youngblood, Boyle and James, Matthew Kline, Andrew Kristensen, Lauren Little, Brandon Schroeder and Erin Stone were selected as semi-finalists.
As the school finalist, Youngblood took a written test. Up to 100 of the top scorers in Wisconsin will be eligible to compete April 1 in the state Geographic Bee. The winner of the state geographic bee will then participate in the national competition in Washington D.C.
The National Geographic Society is the world’s largest nonprofit, scientific and educational organization. The 117-year-old Society reflects the world through magazines, books, maps, television and interactive media. The Society has funded more than 7,500 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy.