 | | | Rheem Elementary School fifth grader Mason Gruebele Photo provided | | | | | | For the first time in Donald Rheem Elementary School history, the school's Geography Bee Champ advanced to the National Geographic Bee State Finals. Mason Gruebele, a 10-year-old fifth grader, traveled to Fresno State University April 4, to compete with 97 other fourth through eighth graders for the title of State Champion. Nearly 600 schools in California participated in school Bees this year. Each school's Geo Bee champ then took a test to qualify for the state championship. This year, 101 students were invited to participate in the State Final, and 98 were there to compete.
Mason's love for geography started in first grade when he began drawing his own maps of the United States. Now he is passionate about drawing maps of the world, and learning about the cultures, languages and histories of other countries. He collects maps and reads atlases for enjoyment. In addition to his love of geography, he enjoys Boy Scouts and playing classical music on the piano. He was also Rheem School's Bee champ last year as a fourth grader, the only student to win the title two years in a row.
Although Mason missed one question in the preliminaries and did not get to advance to the tie breaker round in Fresno, it was such a great experience that he is eager for a chance to earn a spot at the National Geographic Bee State Final next year.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA