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Orsini heads to nat’l Geography Bee
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Posted on Apr 10 2008
Vinni Orsini, an 8th grade student at Grace Christian Academy, scored the highest in the Geography Bee written examination, making him the representative of the Pacific Territories to the National Geography Bee in Washington D.C. in May.
Orsini topped school-level students from the CNMI, Guam and American Samoa. This is the second time in GCA history that a student from the school will vie for the school-level geography bee in D.C.
According to GCA principal Faith Dela Rosa, the last GCA student to participate in the geography bee at the state capital was Rolando Dans Jr., which was over 10 years ago.
Orsini said he was beyond ecstatic upon learning of his victory.
“I cannot explain it. I’m not nervous really, I’m more excited than nervous,” Orsini said.
Since finding out that he will be representing the Pacific Territories this year, he has been preparing for the challenge with all the available time he has.
“I’ve been studying the official books. Sometimes I even watch Jeopardy! with my grandma,” Orsini said.
This year, Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek will moderate the national finals when it airs on national television.
Orsini said he is excited to meet one of America’s TV icons.
The National Geographic Society will provide Orsini and his teacher escort Heather Linday an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Geographic Bee national championship.
Besides the $25,000 prize money, the first-place national winner will get a lifetime membership in the society.
“People may be expecting so much from me from this competition, but all I can say is that I will try my best,” Orsini said.
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations.
Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the society aims to inspire people to care about the planet.
National Geographic has funded more than 8,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy.
