Fourth-grader Ethan Pender was named winner of the first round of the 2008 National Geographic Bee, held Jan. 11 at Darlington Lower School for Darlington students.

As winner, he will advance to the next level of competition — a written examination — to determine state competitors. All school winners are eligible to compete in the national championship in Washington D.C. This prestigious competition awards a $25,000 college scholarship to the winner.

“I was quite amazed myself that I had won,” said Pender, the son of Debi and Mike Pender of Rome. “It felt good to hold the trophy while everyone cheered for me. Now I’m excited to take the test ot see if I qualify to go to Washington.”

Other students placing in the competition included fifth-graders David Tillman (second), Drew Finley (third) and Abraham Johnson (runner up).

This year marks the 20th year of National Geographic Bee competitions for students in grades 4-8 in the United States, the five U.S. territories, as well as in the Department of Defense Dependents Schools around the world.