Beech Tree News Network

Ten students from Butler County Middle School took the stage on the last day of the fall term, Tuesday, December 20, and only one was remaining at the conclusion of the school's annual geography bee.  Eighth grader Annabelle Cooper outlasted nine other students, including a tough challenge from fellow eighth grader Jacob Beasley, to take the top prize after several rounds.

The event, which is coordinated at the school level by veteran Social Studies teacher Becky Mudd, is sponsored by the National Geographic Society. 

As the school winner, Cooper will have an opportunity to compete at the state level in the spring with further advancement to national competition a possibility.  

Other students who competed in the competition were Noah Bryant, Kimberlea Ferrell, Jon Kingery, Austin Norris, Wyatt Southerland, Emily Wallace, Hunter West, and Christian White.  All of these students had advanced to the school-wide geography bee based on their success in classroom rounds held at BCMS throughout November.  

BCMS Principal Jeff Jennings served as the moderator; 8th grade Social Studies teachers Amy Smith-Thomas and John Embry were judges; and 6th grade Social Studies teacher Debbie Brown was the official timer.  

"I"m proud of all our students for their hard work in the geography bee and I also want to congratulate Annabelle.  I know she'll do a great job representing our school at the next level," said Jennings.  "I'm also grateful to Mrs. Mudd who does a tremendous job organizing this important educational event."