Maple School 8th Grader To Compete In State Geography Bee

Whitney Sloneker, an eighth grader at Maple School, was recently named a semifinalist eligible to compete in the 2013 Illinois National Geographic Bee after winning an in-school competition.

Patch pulled Sloneker away from her homework for a few minutes to ask a few questions and learn what it's like to participate in a Geography Bee.

Patch: Is geography your favorite subject or something you've always been passionate about? 

Whitney: Prior to these events, geography was not one of my interests. I prefer math. I am actually surprised that I made it this far. This experience has helped me learn more about my surroundings, other countries, and their cultures. I am now thinking about the connections between geography and everyday life.

P: How do you prepare for the competition?

W: The National Geography Bee website has several online study resources. I found How to Ace the National Geographic Bee Official Study Guide and an Atlas of the World at the library. I owe reaching this point to my teachers, the people who organized the terrific Social Studies curriculum, and my incredibly supportive friends and family.

P: Are you nervous about competing in the state bee, possibly moving on to the national level?

W: Yes, I am. Being able to represent Maple in the state bee is a huge honor.  I am a very shy person and I do not like public speaking. The bee will be outside of my comfort zone so I think it will be a beneficial experience.

The following information was provided by Northbrook/Glenview School District 30.

The 2013 Illinois National Geographic Bee will be held on Friday, April 5 at the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn. The state winner receives $100, the "Complete National Geographic DVD," and a trip to Washington, D.C., where he/she will represent in the national finals at National Geographic Society headquarters, May 20-22, 2013. This is the 25th anniversary of the Bee.

The first place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the Society. The national winner will also travel, with a parent/guardian, all expenses paid, to the Galapagos Islands. The winner will experience geography firsthand through up-close encounters with the wildlife and landscape of the Galapagos. For additional information on the National Geography Bee, go to www.nationalgeographic.com

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