Coronavirus fears move State GeoBees online

The National Geographic Society announced via Email last week that all state level GeoBees will be canceled this year due to public health risks related to coronavirus (COVID-19), moving the in-person events attended by students to an online format.

“We are doing this out of an abundance of caution regarding COVID-19, and in order to prioritize the health and safety of everyone who attends our events,” the Email states.

Locally, Malta Middle School eighth grade student Tova Anderson and Malta Elementary fifth grade student Bridger Benton were to appear as semifinalists at the Montana State GeoBee on March 27 in Bozeman at the Museum of the Rockies, where they would have competed for a chance at the State championship, a medal, $1,000 in cash, and other prizes, as well as a trip to Washington, D.C., to represent Montanain the National Championship where they will compete for additional cash, awards and college scholarships.

“We are committed to ensuring that this year’s State GeoBee provides students a safe and fair opportunity to compete that is consistent across the country,” the National Geographic Society announced. “In that spirit, the National Geographic Society will offer the opportunity for State GeoBee qualifiers to take an online test on March 27 that is administered and proctored by the school GeoBee coordinator or another paid school employee.”

Malta Elementary Librarian Kalli Rummel confirmed on Monday afternoon that Anderson and Benton will both represent Malta with the online contest.