Lincolnshire student in finals of National Geographic Bee
A student at a Lincolnshire school advanced Monday to the finals of the National Geographic Bee.
Conrad Oberhaus, a seventh-grader at Daniel Wright Junior High School, will compete on Wednesday for a $25,000 college scholarship.
“He's a phenomenal student, but then he's also one of the most humble, pleasant, calm, genuine kids that I've had the pleasure of knowing,” said Scott Warren, superintendent of Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103. “It just really speaks to his character that he can do these amazing things and yet be so humble and unassuming about it.”
It's the second straight year that Conrad, 13, has competed at the national bee — organized by the National Geographic Society — in which students answer questions about history, world cultures, landmarks and climates.
He first won his school's competition and then the state's competition. On Monday, he gathered with 53 other kids and survived to become one of 10 finalists who will compete Wednesday in the competition hosted by Alex Trebek of “Jeopardy!”
The show will be broadcast Thursday on the National Geographic Channel.
“Everybody here in the district is pulling for him,” Warren said. “He's had a lot of support here. His classmates helped quiz him, and he's had a lot of support from his teachers and his parents. We're all very excited to be behind him and wish him the best.”
Oberhaus has won multiple presidential physical fitness awards and state and national chess awards. He also earned a black belt in tae kwon do at age 6, according to his profile in the geography bee yearbook.
Ÿ Daily Herald news services contributed to this report.