P.T. Nault, a sixth grade student, at Bonnette Jr. High won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on January 9, 2008 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 20th annual National Geographic Bee.  The Bee is sponsored by the National Geographic Society. 

The kickoff for this year’s Bee was the week of November 12, with thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participating.  The school winners, including P. T., 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, 2008.

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 Geographic Bee national championship on May 20 and 21, 2008.  The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the Society.

Anyone can brush up on geography with GeoBee Challenge, an online geography quiz at www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee, which poses 10 new questions a day from previous National Geographic Bees.  The GeoBee Challenge board game also provides geography fun for the whole family.  The board game won the prestigious Parents’ Choice Award.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations.  Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet.