SIDNEY — Sidney Middle School sixth-grade student Aidan Cox won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee held in January. Aidan is now one step closer to winning a $25,000 college scholarship, the grand prize at the national competition to be held in Washington, D.C., May 20 through 23.
The middle school-level bee challenged students in oral questions on geography, narrowing the field to ten students in the second round and a final two in the last round. This was the first round in the 19th annual National Geographic Bee, sponsored by the National Geographic Society.
Winners from thousands of schools around the United States and in five U.S. territories participated locally in the first-round competition at their schools. The school winners, including Aiden, will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers from each state will be eligible to compete in their state bee on April 6.
The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the National Geographic Bee national championship. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the Society.
SMS winner Aidan Cox is the son of Jennifer Cox, of Sidney. The runner-up in the competition was eighth-grade student Cole Sibert, son of Ryan and Amanda Sibert. Carter Nuss, son of Brad and Kristy Nuss, of Anna, finished in third place.
