The Valley's elementary schools have announced their winners for the annual National Geographic geography bee, sponsored by the National Geographic Society.
Sixth-grader Cooper Cummings won at Gardnerville Elementary School. Fifth-grader Zach Ingrey took Minden Elementary School. Scarselli sixth-grader Andrew Brockhage took his school, and fifth-grader Riley Hollis won at Pinon Hills Elementary.
It was the first time a fourth-grader won at Jacks Valley Elementary School. Nicholas Green competed against 29 other students, many older, to win the title.
Meneley Elementary did not participate in the bee.
All winners have the chance at a $25,000 college scholarship.
The winners are now taking written tests. Up to 100 of the top scorers in the state will be eligible to compete in the state bee April 3.
The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the national championship on May 19 and 20.
The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society.
The winner will also travel (along with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, to the Galapagos Islands with "Jeopardy" host Alex Trebek and the "Jeopardy" Clue Crew. There the winner will experience geography firsthand through up-close encounters with the wildlife and landscape of the Galapagos.
Trebek will moderate the national finals on May 20.
