Students to test global knowledge

Thursday, April 1, 2004 | 8:42 a.m.

One hundred students from around the state -- including 49 from Southern Nevada -- will test their knowledge of geography Friday in the National Geographic Bee at Greenspun Junior High School.

The state winner will receive $100, a globe and a trip to Washington, D.C., for the national finals May 25-26.

Contestant Alexandra Spinkelink is a typical 11-year-old who attends Grace Christian Academy in Boulder City, her mother Jennifer said.

"History and geography are the ones (classes) she has always enjoyed," her mother said.

In addition to reading the National Geographic for children at the local library, Alexandra asks her mother questions all of the time.

"She does like trivia," the mother said. "And she likes to compete."

For Hayes Elementary fifth grader Dallas Teshima, learning where places are in the world is second nature, his mother Gaylene said.

"He's always been very observant," his mother said. The youngest of four boys, Dallas and his dad, Kurt, delve into an eighth grade geography textbook every night to prepare for the contest.

In addition to learning obscure facts about faraway places, Dallas loves sports and follows both college and professional teams, his mother said.

"Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek will moderate the national championship for the 16th year.

First prize in the national competition is a $25,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society.

Second- and third-place finishers will receive $15,000 and $10,000 scholarships.

The 2004 National Geographic Bee finals, produced by Maryland Public Television, will air nationally on the National Geographic Channel and on some public television stations May 26.