Seventh-grader Maryum Faisal was the only student who answered every question correctly at the ninth annual Pocantico Hills School National Geographic GeoBee on January 24.
“I’m feeling really excited and proud,” Maryum said after the winner’s medal was placed around her neck.
If she is one of the top 100 scorers on an online geography quiz, she will advance to the state championship in Albany on March 29.
Maryum’s win carries on a family tradition. Her brother, Fasil, now a ninth-grader, won the bee for three years in a row. Last year, he won and Maryum placed second. Time will tell if their younger sister, Tasni, will follow in their footsteps.
Ten students in grades 4-8 answered questions about domestic and foreign capitals, bodies of water, ports, crops, cultural destinations and more for the GeoBee.
The bee promotes global awareness and shows that geography matters, said bee moderator Adam Brown, director of curriculum and technology. It’s also an outlet for students who may not be inclined to join sports or drama clubs.
“To me every child has a stage, and for some children geography is their love and passion,” he said.
