Grayslake girl wins state Geography Bee

In 2010, which Asian country lost its ranking as the world's second-largest economy in terms of gross domestic product when it was surpassed by China?

By answering Japan, 14-year-old Annie Ulrich, a home-schooled student from Grayslake, beat out 98 other students last week and became the Illinois Geographic Bee champion.

The event, organized by the National Geographic Society, included fourth- through eighth-grade students from across the state who traveled to the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn for the state finals.

The students answered a variety of geography questions ranging from cultures to landmarks that might leave most people perplexed.

But Annie was up to the task due to long hours of studying in preparation for the quiz.

“I spent about three hours every day for a year studying for it,” Annie said. “I was very excited after I won. I was very happy.”

She beat out seventh-grader Brendan Ryan from Hinsdale Middle School to become champion. With her win, Annie will travel to Washington, D.C., on May 24 and 25 to participate in the national competition to be aired on the National Geographic Channel.

“I will definitely have to study harder for the national title than I did for the state,” she said. “I expect the questions will be much tougher.”

Before the state finals held April 1, the 99 students who competed for the title won local events at their school or home-school group, then passed a written test to be invited into the state competition.

There, students each answered eight written questions, with the top 10 scores moving to the final round. The list of competitors was whittled until only two were left.

They were asked three questions each. Whoever answered the most correctly became the state champion.

Annie won $100 and received the all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.

The national winner will receive a $25,000 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to the Galapagos.

“We're really proud of her and her accomplishment,” said her mother, Janet Ulrich. “This is an amazing opportunity for her to be a part of.”