Highland 7th-grader competes at state level

Seventh-grader Will Maes at Highland Middle School in Libertyville competed on the state level of the National Geographic Bee, only missing one question in the preliminary round. But tough competition meant he would not go on any further.

Maes qualified to compete on the state level after winning the National Geographic Bee at his middle school, said Dr. Erin Wyatt, the learning center director at the school. At the state level, Will managed seven out of eight correct questions.

“Usually that is sufficient to get into the playoff round in order to get to the championship (the top 10),” Dr. Wyatt said. “However, 13 students got perfect 8/8 in the preliminary round and those competitors had to have a tiebreaker round in order to get the number of competitors down to the top 10.

“Will did well and was a great representative of Highland!”

Maes is the son of Marianne and Bill Maes of Libertyville.