NPMS students take part in Geography Bee

New Prague Middle School held the National Geographic Geography Bee on Thursday, Jan. 8. Previously, all sixth through eighth grade students were given a preliminary test of 20 questions to arrive at the top 20 students. These 20 demonstrated their knowledge of maps, culture, world issues and general geographic knowledge.

Of those 20 students, 10 chose to participate in the school-wide competition. Students were asked the same questions for a number of the rounds and put their answers on whiteboards and revealed their answers at the same time. After two misses the students were excused from the competition and the questions were then given randomly to determine the top placings.

Third place went to sixth grader Matt Kehrli, second place was eighth grader Jacob Wormer and first place went to eighth grader Nick Emond.

Emond then took a written timed test of 70 questions which will be submitted to National Geographic. The top students who scored well on the test will be invited to compete at the state level. Students will be notified later this winter if they will move on.

Many parents and siblings attended the bee and were amazed at the knowledge of these students. The facilitator of the program was Jodi Prchal and she was assisted in judging by Cheryl Malecha.

Jess Davidson, enrichment coordinator for Community Education, also assisted at the event. The event is sponsored by New Prague Community Education.