St. Sebastian School Geographic Bee

Justine Alvarez, a 7th grade student at St. Sebastian School, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on January 14 and a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship. The school-level bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 15th annual National Geographic Bee. Students participating in the Bee at St. Sebastian included: 4th Grade - Frankie Ramos and Abel Rivera; 5th Grade - Christopher Bombara and Katrina Gutierrez; 6th Grade - Gabrielle Carranco and runner-up Tyler Ferris; 7th Grade - winner Justine Alvarez and Janessa Flores; and 8th Grade - Geoffroi Casteñeda and Jazmine Ojeda.The kickoff for this year’s Bee in November had thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participating. The school winners, including Justine, 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 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 to be held May 20 and 21. The first place winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society.“Jeopardy!” Clue Crew member Sarah Whitcomb will moderate the California Geographic Bee at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento on April 4. “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek will moderate the national finals on May 21. The program will air on the National Geographic Channel, and afterward on PBS stations, produced by Maryland Public Television.