The multi-purpose room at Richmond School was buzzing with global insight this week as Lassen County’s brightest young minds gathered to compete in the 39th annual Lassen County Geography Bee. The long-standing tradition put local students’ knowledge of the United States and the world to the ultimate test.
The competition was divided into two distinct challenges. Fourth and fifth-grade competitors tackled a mix of oral and written questions focused on United States geography, while sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students stepped up to the podium to answer complex questions spanning the entire globe.
Younger Experts Take the Stage
In the elementary division, Richmond’s Landon Jabbs secured the top spot for the fourth grade, while McKayla Kirby of Johnstonville took home the win for the fifth grade. The competition remained fierce for the overall titles in the 4th-5th grade category; Ralf Guintu of Diamond View earned third place overall, and Johnstonville’s Melody Guess finished as the runner-up.
Ultimately, it was Johnstonville’s Caleb Stiles who navigated his way to the top as the division’s Overall Winner.
Global Scholars Face Off
The middle school division saw a wide range of schools represented on the leaderboard. Michael Yocius of Diamond View claimed the sixth-grade title, while Johnstonville’s Melody Smith won for the seventh grade and Janesville’s Mayson Granadino took the eighth-grade honors.
When the scores were tallied for the 6th-8th grade overall standings, Clarissa McGarva of Johnstonville placed third and Eli Jenner of Diamond View followed closely as the runner-up. Shaffer School’s Dylan Langford delivered a standout performance to be named the division’s Overall Winner.
Geography Bowl coordinator Julie McKee expressed pride in all the participants who studied hard to represent their respective schools. The event was made possible through the support of the Lassen County Office of Education, and winners walked away with prizes generously provided by Margie’s Books.
Congratulations to all of our local student geographers for their hard work and impressive navigation of the world!
