R-MA Names School-Level National Geography Bee Champion

After an intense contest in which the last two competitors went through almost every tiebreaker in the book, eighth grader Ryan Latham of Amissville, VA, finally emerged as Randolph-Macon Academy Middle School’s champion in the National Geographic Bee. His eighth grade classmate, Gabe Dubin of Front Royal, was the well-respected runner-up.

According to the National Geographic web site, http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee/, “Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography.” The contest is open to students in grades four through eight. 

Soon after winning the school-level title, Latham took a written test in an attempt to qualify for the state competition, and is now awaiting the results. 

Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA), founded in 1892, is a college-preparatory, coeducational day and boarding school for students in grades 6 through 12. Students in grades 9-12 participate in R-MA’s 91st Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and have the option to participate in the military school’s renowned flight program. R-MA is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is located in Front Royal, VA.