Seventh-grader captures Geography Bee flag

It was a closely fought race, but in the end seventh-grader Zayd Mian prevailed in Greenhills’ National Geographic geography bee Jan. 10.

In addition to a handsome medal, Zayd also earned the chance to become one of 100 students from around Michigan who represent their schools at the state level. Each state champion earns an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., courtesy of the National Geographic Society, to participate in the national championship in May. The national champion receives a $50,000 college scholarship.

History and social science teacher Amanda Harper helped organize the competition at Greenhills. She said events were compressed this year because of Michigan’s weather, which may be a subject fit for study by National Geographic all by itself.

Friday’s winning question? “The Islands of Madura and Bali are part of which country?”

And the winning answer: Indonesia.

Where it’s a whole lot less snowy.