Hillsboro Student Invited to State-level National Geographic Bee

Sixth grader Colby Jones is taking his geography knowledge to the next level.

The Hillsboro School District announced Wednesday that Jones, a student at Quatama Elementary School (6905 N.E. Campus Way in Hillsboro), was invited to participate in the 29th Oregon Geographic Bee at Western Oregon University in Monmouth March 31.

"The day he found out he was nominated he was walking on cloud nine," said Shawna Munson, Jones' teacher. "He is a bit nervous, but he is a phenomenal student and naturally has absorbed so much knowledge on geography not just through my teachings, but from experiences with his family and also from being a student at Quatama.
"We are a culturally diverse school and community, and we learn a lot from each other about different places around the world and cultures."

One of only a few thousand to make it to the state level nationally, Jones was selected from a pool of about 3 million students representing nearly 10,000 schools nationwide all vying for a chance to compete in the National Geographic Bee Championship in May.

"Colby is a well-read student," Munson said. "He is very dedicated to geography (and) has told me exactly how many countries and cities he has to memorize and the many other strategies he is using to get ready for the Oregon Geographic Bee."

According to Quatama Principal Christy Walters, the state competitions leading up to the national championship are made up of tests that ask student competitors increasingly challenging questions about U.S. states, world history, and oceans, as well as more nuanced questions regarding region-specific oddities, cultures, and food.

The champion from each state and territory will go on to compete in the national championship at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., with the national winner earning a $50,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership with the National Geographic Society.

"We are all super excited for him," Munson said. "It is always wonderful when a student gets nominated for academic achievements."

Photo courtesy: Shannon Jones, Quatama Elementary School