Young geography wizards, in grades four through eight, from 22 Alabama counties will compete in the state Geographic Bee at Samford University Friday (APRIL 1).
The 100 competitors qualified for the event after winning contests in their respective schools and placing among the top 100 scorers in the state on a test administered by the National Geographic Society.
Alabama's top winner will receive a $100 cash prize, a world globe and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for a $25,000 college scholarship at the national finals on May 25.
Preliminary rounds in Friday's competition will begin at 12:30 p.m. The final round will begin at 3 p.m. in the Flag Colonnade Room in Samford's Beeson University Center. The awards presentation will take place at about 4 p.m.