Leland students in grades 5 through 8 competed Monday in a school Bee in which they answered a range of questions about U.S. and World geography, with fifth grade student Nate Swartz taking top honors.

Leland school Nate Swartz (center) is flanked by
Joel Sneed, who finished second, and thirdplace
finisher Kristen Hansen.

The National Geographic Society has sponsored the competition for 20 years and Leland Public School has participated in nearly all of them.

This year, 24 students responded to questions for nearly two hours before an audience of classmates, family and friends. The contestants were reduced as the competition went from the preliminary round, to eight qualifiers in the final round, to two in the championship round.

Fifth grader Joel Sneed was the second-place winner; Kristine Hansen, an 8th grader, was the third-place winner.

In advancing, Schwarz will take a written test of 70 questions that could qualify him to attend the Michigan Geography Bee in late March. One student from the state bee will receive and all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Geographic Bee national championship on May 20-21. The first place national winner receives a $25,000 college scholarship.