STC Middle School finalists in Geography Bee are back row (L-R) Brendan Patro, Julius Youngbear and Ed Hemby; second row (L-R) Hope Werner, Taylor Hrabak, Julie Matta and Kennedy Adams; front row (L-R) Samatha Oliver, Jason Lares and Ryne Kesl. Photo Provided

Jason Lares, a 5th grade student at South Tama County High School, won the school competition of the National Geographic Bee and a chance at a $50,000 college scholarship.

The school Bee, at which students answered questions on Geography, was the first round in the 27th annual National Geographic Bee.

Thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories are participating in the 2015 Bee.

The school champions, including Lares, will take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers on that test in each state will then be eligible to compete in their state Bee on March 27, 2015.

The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state winners to participate in the Bee national championship round May 11-13, 2015. The first place national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship, a lifetime membership in the Society including a subscription to National Geographic magazine, and a trip to the Galapagos Islands, courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.

Jason Lares

Award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien will moderate the national finals on May 13. They program will air on television. Check local listings for dates and times.

With a mission to inspire, illuminate and tech, the National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. The member-support Society, which believes in the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world, reaches over 600 million people each month through its media platforms, products and events. National Geographic has funded more than 11,000 research , conservation and exploration projects and its education programs promote geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com