Cheronch top score for fourth grade

Todd Goodwin, a Social Studies instructor at Applewild stands with the school's Geography Bee winners Natalie Helmer, of Lunenburg; Rajin Suchdev, of Groton; and Jonathan Chernoch; of Westminster. COURTESY PHOTO

The Applewild School 2008 Geography Bee champion in fourth grade was Jonathan Chernoch, son of John and Ann Chernoch, of Harrington Road in Westminster.

In an effort to increase geographical awareness and knowledge, the National Geographic Society sponsors the National Geography Bee for students in grades 4-8.

For several years all students in grades 4 through 8 at Applewild School in Fitchburg have competed in the Geography Bee with their Social Studies instructors.

The school does not use an elimination format, but all students are given the same number of questions with the highest scores going on to the next level.

Twenty-seven students who won their homeroom or section Bee made it to the school Geography Bee final.

In the fifth grade the champion was Benjamin Janoschek and Rajin Suchdev was the champion for the sixth grade.

The seventh grade champion is Yong Murray, and the Upper School Champion is Natalie Helmer from the eight grade.