The eighth grader will take a National Geographic qualifying test, and it is likely he will be extended an invitation to compete in the Tennessee National Geographic State Bee.
By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Communications Director
Eli Whelan ’28, Evan Lee ’27, Karsen Puzniak ’27, Vincent Kehler ’26, and Isaac Spiller ’24 competed in the Middle School Geography Bee on stage before their peers during Town Meeting on Wednesday, January 22. The quintet previously had survived elimination rounds during advisory and social studies classes as well as a preliminary round with Sixth Grade Social Studies Teacher Matt Lukach. Fourth graders joined Middle Schoolers to cheer on their classmate.
Offering clues based on bodies of water, landmarks, industries, former colonial rulers, and other tidbits of history, Sixth Grade Social Studies Teacher Matt Lukach asked questions during the geography bee. Seventh Grade Social Studies Teacher Doug Brown kept time, giving students 15 seconds to respond.
In the championship round, Evan and Isaac both were asked the same questions, wrote their answers and revealed them at the same time. The final questions were based on current events, focused on the home of global climate change activist Greta Thunberg and the location of a wreck site of a recently discovered centuries-old ship bringing enslaved people to America.
A National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition helped gather scientific data to support the creation of a marine protected area surrounding Ascension Island … an overseas territory of what country? Isaac ’24 corrected wrote the United Kingdom. He will take a National Geographic qualifying test, and it is likely he will be extended an invitation to compete in the Tennessee National Geographic State Bee with top geography students from around the state. The statewide winner will proceed to the National Geographic Bee.
University of Virginia selected Margot Ross '24 to be a Jefferson Scholar. The highly selective scholarship includes the full cost of attending UVA for four years of study as well as numerous enrichment opportunities. It has been 12 years since a University School of Nashville senior last became a Jefferson Scholar.
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