Matthew Riehle wins geography bee

Matthew Riehle, a fifthgrade student at Sisters Middle School, won the school competition of the National Geographic Bee on January 29 and a chance at a $50,000 college scholarship. The school bee was the first round in the 28th annual National Geographic Bee.

Thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories are participating in the 2016 bee. The school champions, including Matthew Riehle, took a qualifying test on February 5, from which up to 100 of the top scorers in each state will be eligible to complete in their state bee on April. Matthew will know in early March if he is one of the top 100 in the state eligible to compete in the Oregon state bee this April.

The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state winners to participate in the national championship rounds May 22-25. The first-place national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship, a lifetime membership in the Society including a subscription to National Geographic magazine and a National Geographic Expeditions trip to a national park in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

The national finals will air on television on the National Geographic Channel and PBS stations. Check local listings for dates and times.