Third-grader William Zimmer was named winner of the first round of the 2009 National Geographic Bee, held Jan. 15 at the Lower School. Thirty-one students in grades 3-6 participated.
The winning question was, "Which Mediterranean country, located at the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula, is Europe’s largest exporter of cotton?" Zimmer answered correctly with "Greece."
As winner, he will advance to the next level of competition, a written examination, to determine state competitors. All school winners are eligible to compete in the national championship in Washington, D.C. This prestigious competition awards a $25,000 college scholarship to the winner.
Zimmer is the son of Libbie and Casey Zimmer of Rome. Other students placing in the competition included third-grader Jack Eady in second place; and third-grader Rhett McDurmon and sixth-grader Will Crawford, who were named runners up.
This year marks the 22nd year of National Geographic Bee competitions for students in grades 4-8 in the United States, the five U.S. territories, as well as in the Department of Defense Dependents Schools around the world.
