Twin Oaks Christian School holds its first-ever Geography Bee

By Amanda Compton

​Middle School students tested their geographical prowess at Twin Oaks Christian School's first-ever National Geographic GeoBee held earlier this month in Mr. Wildermuth's classroom.

​In the preliminary round, students answered seven multiple choice questions about geography, ancient and world civilizations, cultures and physical features. The two students with the highest scores in Grades 6-8 went on to compete publicly to become Twin Oaks' first GeoBee winner.

"Geography provides a key context for the events of history," said Assistant Head of School and Middle School History Teacher Mr. Eric Wildermuth. "Knowing what a place is like and where it is in the world helps you understand why things have happened the way they have. In a larger sense, I think it is good to see that the world is more expansive than any of us has experienced." 

Wildermuth noted the mix of excitement and fear among his students when he announced that there was going to be a GeoBee. "I was happy to see that a few of the students who expressed fear about competing in a public Bee made the final round!" said Wildermuth. "I am hopeful to expand it to all eligible grades (Grade 4-8) next year."

The winners are:

• Third Place - Hamilton Striker, 6th Grade
• Second Place - Logan Wagener, 6th Grade
• First Place - Jonah Gregory, 7th Grade

Gregory also won the all-school Spelling Bee and will compete at McKendree University this spring. "It felt really good to win the GeoBee after just winning the Spelling Bee," said Gregory. "I actually couldn't believe it ... that I won two competitions in a row! It is very exciting!"

​Gregory took the qualifying test for the regional GeoBee competition and will know whether he made the cut to move forward on March 2.

"The GeoBee was a great way to encourage students to take an interest in geography and be excited for those students who may be better at geography than spelling," added Wildermuth. "I hope that students get a larger picture of the world and begin to understand where God has placed them."

​Twin Oaks Christian School, a ministry of Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church