April 12, 2006

WISD Student Youngest to Compete in State Geography Bee

WEATHERFORD—On Friday, March 31, geography wiz kids from around the country competed at state-level Geography Bees for the chance to qualify for the national competition.  Weatherford’s own Matthew Thomas, a fourth grader at Mary Martin Elementary, was one of the participants in Texas. 

Thomas, 10, started out by competing in the school level round of competition.  “I like finding out odd facts about countries all around the world,” he said.  After winning, he then took a qualifying test by the National Geographic Society.  The top 100 scores were then invited to compete at the state level. 

When asked about competing at the state contest he said, “It was very nerve-racking.  I felt so nervous that I hardly ever blinked.”  Thomas was the youngest competitor at the Texas State Geography Bee, which was held in Bedford at the HEB ISD Staff Development Center.  One winner was chosen and received $100, a National Geographic globe and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.   The national finals on will take place on May 23-24 and the chance to be crowned National Geographic Bee champion. 

The National Geographic Society developed the National Geography Bee in 1989 to encourage geographic knowledge among students in the United States.  Each year awards and scholarships are given to young people who exhibit knowledge in the area of geography. 

 "A sound knowledge of geography is essential for understanding global events and their impact on the rest of the world," said John Fahey, president of the National Geographic Society. "National Geographic has always recognized the need for geographic literacy and will vigorously continue its efforts to educate our young people and empower them to be informed citizens and responsible stewards of our planet."  

Thomas, son of Mark and Kimberly Thomas of Weatherford, hopes to compete again next year.  To help himself prepare, Thomas plans on studying “really” hard.  “Perhaps I might even write down a country’s name and odd facts about it.”  Thomas also participated in the Spelling bee, and is a member of the Quest program at Mary Martin Elementary. 

Pictured below is Matthew Thomas, fourth grader at Mary Martin Elementary.

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