March 31, 2011
Thursday PM

We in Ketchikan recently were very aware there was a local teacher representing our city in the 2011 Iditarod Race - many in town were present at the start, many were present at the finish line. HOORAY to Team Taggart for beginning and ending the race. Ketchikan was talking proud. One family that was present at the start of the race was the Valentine family: Trevor and Tiffany with their 2 sons, Jake and Jared.

NOW we in Ketchikan have another local going to Anchorage for a “race” - a student this time who will be representing the KGB School District.

This “race” is the Alaska Geographic Bee, sponsored by the National Geographic Society, Google and Plum Creek. This is an annual event and surely many are aware of what a prestigious academic contest this is. There were Geography Bees held in some of our schools, grades 4-8. JAKE VALENTINE, a 6th grader, was the finalist from Houghtaling Elementary School. He is on his way to Anchorage this week, Thursday the 31st, for the State competition on Friday, April 1. Only this time, he won’t be watching a race: this time he is the participant. What a (great) way to spend one’s time on April Fool’s Day, 2011 !!!

When student achievements in any area :music, athletics, academics: are recognized, then we can all share in the excitement of the individual or team making a contribution to our town and school district.

SO we wish our Ketchikan geography bee participant well and a calm mind. We will be anxious to hear all about the event when you come home.

You can visit this site for more information on past Geography Bees:
www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee

Judith Green
Ketchikan, AK

About: "Local resident sharing in student achievements"

Received March 31, 2011 - Published March 31, 2011

Viewpoints - Opinion Letters:

Webmail Your Opinion Letter to the Editor

SitNews ©2011
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska