Written by Ray Oldakowski

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The 25th annual National Geographic State Geography Bee for Florida took place in Jacksonville, Florida on Friday, April 5th.  102 contestants from Florida schools, grades four through eight, earned the right to compete for the Florida title and the opportunity to travel to Washington DC and participate in the National Geographic Bee in May.  The winner was Walker Miller from James Weldon Johnson Middle School in Jacksonville, Florida.
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Dean Douglas Hazzard welcomed the students to the bee and to Jacksonville University.  Erik Henderson once again did a superb job as the final round moderator.  FGA advisory board members Jim Curtis and Mary Ellen Adlam served as preliminary round moderators along with JU faculty members Jeff Martin, Douglas Hazzard, and Jesse Hingson.  Ray Oldakowski and his student assistant Ben Reses served as the state bee coordinators.  In addition to the prize money, certificates, and T-shirts provided by National Geographic, the Florida Geographic Alliance provided additional mementos for the winner, 10 finalists, and all of the other students to remember their special day.  The event is sponsored by Google and Plum Creek.