UPDATE: Wakefield Youth Wins SECOND PLACE in National Geographic Bee

UPDATE: Eighth-grader Oliver Lucier of Wakefield wins SECOND PLACE in the 2010 National Geographic Bee. Congratulations, Oliver!


WSBE Rhode Island PBS will broadcast the finals among the top 10 children on Saturday, May 29 at 7:30 AM and on Sunday, May 30 at 10 AM, over the air on digital 36.1; Cox/Verizon/Full Channel 08; DirecTV 36; Dish Network 7776.


On May 25 and 26, the 54 finalists took part in the 22nd annual National Geographic Bee. The fifth- to eighth-graders, ranging in age from 10 to 14, vied for three scholarships worth $50,000.

The Bee champion won the top prize of a $25,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society. Second-place finisher, Oliver Lucier of Wakefield was awarded a $15,000 college scholarship. Third place finisher receives a 10,000 college scholarship. Additionally, the national winner will travel (along with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, to the Galápagos to experience geography firsthand through up-close encounters with the islands' wildlife and landscape. Travel for the Galápagos trip is provided by Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society.


The 54 finalists, all winners of their state-level geographic bees, have triumphed over a field of nearly 5 million students to earn a place in the national championships. They represent the 50 states, District of Columbia, Atlantic Territories, Pacific Territories and Department of Defense Dependents Schools.


The preliminary round of the National Geographic Bee took place on Tuesday, May 25. The top 10 finalists each won $500 and advanced to the final round on Wednesday, May 26, which was moderated by "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek.