Richford students crowned at Vermont Geo-Bee

COLCHESTER, Vt. (WCAX) - A team of Richford students was crowned Tuesday as the winners of Vermont’s Geo-Bee.

Eleven teams of fifth through eighth graders competed at St. Michael’s College for bragging rights of their knowledge of world geography.

Some had to name locations on a map while others were asked about famous landmarks. There were also a few questions about Vermont history, too.

At the end, three students from Richford Middle School took the prize. “I was a little nervous about the whole thing when we were announced. We tried. I was kind of like -- ‘Are we winning this or are we getting second?’ I’m pretty happy right now. I don’t even care I’m getting home at 7,” said Brantley Nutting, a member of the winning team.

Students we spoke with say studying for these competitions helps supplement what they’re not learning in school.

The event is hosted by the Vermont Principals’ Association. The VPA’s website says it’s an effort to counter the serious problem of geographic ignorance. “We believe that geography is integral to our ability to understand and function in our world.”

This was Richford’s first time competing. The winning trio said they want to see if the school can defend its title next year.

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