In each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and Department of Defense Dependents Schools, 100 students will compete for their respective top spot.

Each winner will receive $100 and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington DC, for the national finals May 25-26.

First prize in the national competition is a $25,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society. Second- and third-place winners will receive $15,000 and $10,000 scholarships.

Pablo Rabasa, who will represent Willard Middle School in Berkeley, said his travels to Western Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico and other countries have helped him prepare for today's competition in Sacramento.

"My mom put maps all over the house, so I study whenever I can," said Rabasa, who's in the eighth grade.

Michele Patterson, principal of Willard Middle School, said she's very proud of Rabasa.

"Schools are under a lot of pressure from budget cuts, so curriculum is very limited in what it can cover," Patterson said. "It's good to see our student doing something positive."

Rabasa, when asked what he wants to do when he grows up, said he'd like "to help people."

"Going to a lot of places has showed me how bad some people have it."

Eighth-grader Tim Bare will participate in the state finals for the second time.

"I'm studying every day about places that are in the news, cultural information and international organizations," said Bare, who attends The Academy School in Berkeley.

Robin Fontana, Bare's social studies teacher, said kids should get involved in geography and current events.

"I give my students sample questions to spark a competitive interest in them," Fontana said.

Carol King, principal at Piedmont Middle School, said she is pleased that seventh-grader Jacob Cohn will participate in the state finals.

"We're very proud of him," King said. "It's the second year he has represented our school."

The National Geographic Bee is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in classrooms, according to National Geographic Web site. Fourth- through eighth-graders are eligible to participate. The competition is sponsored by ING Financial Services.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
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