Bedford Teacher New Host Of Granite State Challenge

DURHAM, NH — The high school quiz show Granite State Challenge has a new host for the first time in 34 years. Jon Cannon, a Bedford High School social studies teacher, took over for Jim Jeannotte. Cannon hosted the New Hampshire PBS show's latest season opener Feb. 2.

Celebrity host Tom Bergeron hosted the show's first season in 1984. Jeannotte took over the next year and hosted until his retirement last year.

Cannon attended Belmont High School and as a junior appeared on the show. He said Jeannotte made an impression on him.

"That’s what I want to do," he told NHPBS of his thinking at the time.

After graduating high school, Cannon worked as a camera operator for the Granite State Challenge. He then joined Jeopardy! and traveled the world producing video clues before returning to New Hampshire to teach at Bedford High. In 2010, he coached the school's Granite State Challenge team.

The station said Cannon was selected for his commitment to education, game show experience and quick sense of humor.

"(He) brings all of those skills to the table — and more," the station said in a statement.

Granite State Challenge airs Saturdays at 6 p.m. on NHPBS.

Photo credit: Granite State Challenge