Eighth Grader Wins Berner Geography Bee

Berner Middle School students recently showed they know a lot about the worlld outside of Carmans Mill Road.

Students at the school recently competed in the National Geographic Geography Bee.  In all 12 students took part in the nationwide competition that draws thosands of participants from around the country.

Eighth-grader Mark Vitucci was the winner, while another eighth grader Nicholas Gucciardo placed second and seventh-grader Jake Pulis came in third. Nine other students participated including, seventh-graders Thomas Beck, Hunter D’Amore, Deborah Lobaccaro, David Prusan and Stephen Roach, and eighth-graders Christopher Hadsall, Jackson Himonidis, John Kaplun and Holden Valentine.

All seventh and eighth grade students took a test to determine the winner for each team. The winners then answered questions in rounds with Vitucci left standing.

He has completed a test in an attempt to qualify for the state competition in April.

The national finals are in May.

“The bee is a great enrichment opportunity because it sparks interest in the subject and builds students’ confidence in their skills,” said Social Studies teacher Laura Siegel.