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Darius Mostaghimi, a thirteen year old from Walter C. Polson Middle School in Madison, Connecticut, had to travel the world in defeating runner-up Jack Walsh, an eighth grader from Fairfield County Homeschoolers to become the 22nd Connecticut State Geographic Bee Champion. Darius took top honors by matching answer for answer with Jack in the Championship Round on questions that covered Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Darius won by answering the tiebreaker question from moderator Brad Drazen of NBC-30 Television, “What country includes the islands of Melville Mornington and Bathurst?” His answer, “Australia,” won Darius $100, a “National Geographic Collegiate Atlas of the World” and an all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the finals of the 22nd annual National Geographic Bee on May 25 and May 26. The Bee is a program of the National Geographic Society. This year’s state sponsors are Google™ and Plum Creek. One hundred fourth to eighth graders from across Connecticut took part in the Bee. Michael Lally, an eighth grader from Newtown Middle School, finished third. Others advancing to the finals were Michael Borecki from the Hindley School in Darien, Christopher Hard of Greens Farm Academy, Reed Kelly of Tomlinson Middle School in Fairfield, Zachary James of Western Middle School in Greenwich, Gregory Graham from East Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield, Jake Morris from the King Low Heywood Thomas School in Stamford, and Carson Drew from Latimer Lane School in Simsbury. Darius will now compete in the national competition. First prize is a $25,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society. Second and third place finishers receive $15,000 and $10,000 college scholarships. Additionally, the national winner will travel (along with a parent or guardian), all expenses paid, to the Galápagos Islands with “Jeopardy!” quiz show host and National Geographic Bee moderator Alex Trebek and the “Jeopardy!” Clue Crew. Good luck, Darius! Remember, it is never too early to think about next year’s Bee. Information about the Bee, including registration, can be found at www.nationalgeographic.com/geographybee/.
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