Conquering the world at Cornwell

The National Geographic Society recently held its 26th annual National Geography Bee for students in fourth through eighth grade in thousands of schools across the United States and in five U.S. territories.

The first round of the 2014 National Geographic Bee, which is sponsored by Google, was held at Cornwell Avenue School in West Hempstead on Jan. 10, welcoming 13 students in grades four and five to compete in the school level tournament. Fourth graders Lawrence Buffolino, Asha Brown, Anand Oberoi, Afolabi Clarke, Mia Parise, Tyler DeLorey, Mia Rodriguez, and fifth graders Jake Gallo, Jackson Dempsey, Qwyntun Johnson, Joe Shapiro, Godlee Sainvilus, and Dayaan Khan all participated in this year’s bee.

The winner of the first round was fifth grader Jackson Dempsey and the runner-up was fourth grader Mia Parise. This was Jackson’s second year in a row competing in the competition. He will advance to the next level of competition, which involves a written examination to determine state competitors.

All state finalists are eligible to compete for a spot at the national competition in Washington, D.C. in May, along with the chance to win a $50,000 college scholarship.