Darlington's Pender wins Geography Bee

Darlington seventh-grader Ethan Pender was named winner of the first round of the 2010 National Geographic Bee, held Jan. 21 at the Lower School. Twenty-six students in grades 4-8 participated.

Pender is a three-time champion for Darlington’s Lower School, having also earned the title in 2008 and 2009. As winner, he will advance to the next level of competition, a written examination, to determine state competitors. He will take the written test on Monday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 a.m. 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.

Pender is the son of Debi and Mike Pender of Rome. Other students placing in the competition included fourth-grader Rhett McDurmon in second place and sixth-grader Henry Fields as runner up.

This year marks the 23rd 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. The 2011 Bee is sponsored by Google.