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News Release
March 30, 2009
Media Advisory
What: Idaho State Geographic Bee
Who: 4th-8th graders from throughout Idaho
When: 12:30-2 p.m. Friday, April 3
Where: Special Events Center, Student Union Building, Boise State
University
Boise State University is hosting the Idaho State Geographic Bee, a program
of the National Geographic Society sponsored by Google and Plum Creek, from
12:30-2 p.m. Friday in the Special Events Center of the Student Union.
Joining other students in grades four through eight across the country, 100
young geography whizzes from throughout Idaho will compete for our state’s
top spot and entrance into the National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C.,
in May.
In its 21st year, the National Geographic Bee is a great motivator for
students to learn about the world and a chance at significant college
scholarships. Second- and third-place finishers receive $15,000 and $10,000
scholarships, respectively. First place includes a $25,000 scholarship,
lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society and a geographic
adventure to the Galapagos Islands with “Jeopardy!” quiz show host and 2009
bee moderator Alex Trebek and his Clue Crew.
“National Geographic’s mission is to inspire people to care about the
planet,” said John Fahey, president and CEO of the National Geographic
Society, which puts on the National Geographic Bee and other educational
programs. “Through the National Geographic Bee and everything we do at the
Society, we hope to foster a lifelong passion for learning and to encourage
the experience and knowledge of other cultures and lands.”
David Wilkins, an associate professor in Boise State’s Department of
Geosciences, has been involved with the Idaho National Geographic Bee for
five years, two as its director. Directing again this year, he explained
that the material covered is very diverse, touching on much more than maps.
“Geography is not just where things are; it’s also what they are and why.
It’s the history and character of a place, its environment and politics and
culture. It’s making connections between places and understanding why they
are important to us. It teaches you that everything is connected in the
world, because if something happens someplace, it’s geographic,” Wilkins
said. “What these students have learned gearing up for this competition is a
foundation they can take and run with.”
The afternoon competition will be moderated by Sona Andrews, provost and
vice president of academic affairs at Boise State. To set up interview,
photo and video opportunities during the event, contact Wilkins at (208)
426-2390 or dwilkins@boisestate.edu.
For more information, contact Erin Ryan, communications specialist, at
(208) 426-4910 or
erinryan@boisestate.edu.
Boise State University is “The New U Rising” with record student
enrollment, new academic buildings, additional degree programs and a growing
research agenda. Learn more at
www.boisestate.edu.
The Office of Communications and Marketing - Boise State
University
1910 University Drive - Boise Idaho 83725-1030
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email
communications@boisestate.edu
Last reviewed on
Monday, March 30, 2009
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