William Ott Wins Hurley Middle School Geography Bee For Third Time

William Ott, an eighth grade student at Dr. Kevin M. Hurley Middle School, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, and a chance at a $50,000 college scholarship. The school-level Bee, at which students answered oral and written questions on geography, was the first round in the 27th annual National Geographic Bee.

This was William’s third school round win and hopefully will again go onto the state’s Bee. The second place winner was Matthew Silveira and the third place winner was Jacob McKitchen. Other finalists were; Caleb Bento, Danielle Clarke, Charlie Lehourites, Julia Medina, Kevin Moszkowicz , Collin Tenreiro, and Eric Zirkel.

The school winners, including William, will now take a written test. Up to 100 of the top scorers on that test in each state will then be eligible to compete in the state Bee on March 27, 2015.

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 Bee national championship rounds May 11-15, 2015. The first-place national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship, a lifetime membership in the Society including a subscription to National Geographic magazine, and a trip to the Galapagos Islands, courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.

Award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien will moderate the national finals on May 13. The program will air on television. Check local listings for dates and times.

Good luck, William!!