On January 14th, there was eagerness in the air among many fourth and fifth
graders at Parsley as they were anticipating the National Geographic Bee.
Students had studied for the bee since November by looking at maps and
globes, reading atlases and other books about geography, and exploring
geography sites on the internet, including many fun interactive sites with
games. They also had an opportunity to practice with a mock bee.
All of Mrs. Youmans’ AIG students in fourth and fifth grades participated, as
well as any other fourth and fifth graders at Parsley who wanted to take part.
The bee began with the fourth graders competing to earn five spots in the
final round. Next fifth graders competed for five seats in the final
round. After these two preliminary rounds, the field had been narrowed to
ten students who would compete in the final round. These ten students were
fourth graders Nick Gregoire, Hannah Dunlop, Tara Poteat, Carter Howe, and
Hannah Marable and fifth graders Alexei Affemann, Courtney Byrd, Tess Jarden,
Lindsey Daughtridge, and Cole Cannon. Students answered difficult questions
about US geography, as well as World geography. The students were real
troopers as they conquered sitting quietly, listening carefully to many
questions, and thoughtfully answering the questions.
The final round concluded with two students moving on to the championship
round. These two students were fourth grader, Hannah Marable, and fifth
grader, Cole Cannon. Both students competed with great sportsmanship and
determination. In the end, Cole Cannon emerged as Parsley’s bee winner.
Cole then took the National Geographic Bee test to see if he will qualify to
compete in the NC State bee.
WWAY TV came to cover our bee, and Joe Mauceri interviewed Cole Cannon,
Hannah Marable, and Mrs. Youmans. The story was on the evening news and on
the news the next morning.
