Middle school students recently participated in two exciting challenges as part of the inaugural Founders’ Cup competition. A nail-biting Geography Bee showcased students' knowledge, while a lively Puzzle Relay demonstrated their collaborative spirit and problem-solving skills. Both events netted teams valuable points toward the coveted Founders’ Cup trophy.

Previously a staple at King School in partnership with National Geographic, the Geography Bee had been discontinued after the pandemic. This year, the Founders’ Cup provided the perfect opportunity to revive the tradition. The return of the competition offered students the chance to demonstrate their worldly knowledge.

To determine the finalists for the Bee, all students took a preliminary test during an extended advisory period. The top 23 scorers advanced to the final round in the Upper School Gym on February 26, where they faced off in a thrilling competition, answering questions about world capitals, landforms, country borders, and cultural geography.

“I was pretty confident in my geography knowledge, but I didn't imagine winning,” said Grayson Gallagher ’29, a member of the Thomas team and this year’s Geography Bee champion. “There are so many talented and smart kids in the Middle School.”

The Puzzle Relay on the following day emphasized teamwork. Teams worked across two tables, one for organizing puzzle pieces and another for assembly. The challenge required one group of students to relay pieces, section by section, from one table to the next, where a second group worked together to complete the puzzle.

“The Puzzle Relay felt like a great way to show collaboration and communication while building something together as a team,” said Dean of Student Life Jeremy Bletterman.

Ultimately, team Low emerged as the victors of the event, cheering loudly as it was announced they had won with 144 pieces of their puzzle completed.

Students will continue to earn team points for academic achievements such as Honor Roll, High Honors, and King Scholar distinctions, as well as for participating in an independent reading challenge tracking their progress on the Beanstack app.

With just a few months remaining in the competition, anticipation is building for the grand finale on Field Day. The event will incorporate a mix of academic, athletic, and fun challenges, ensuring every student will have a chance to contribute.

“The students are definitely into it,” Bletterman said. “We have an actual trophy that they’re vying for, and the buzz is strong.”

For Grayson, the Founders’ Cup has been an exciting experience. 

“It’s been really competitive,” he said. “Kids have been really trying their hardest in all of the activities we have done so far, but I know we have a few more months to go.”

With the competition intensifying, students continue to demonstrate teamwork, school spirit, and a commitment to excellence, core values that define the Founders’ Cup. As the school year progresses, all eyes are on the final showdown and which team will ultimately lift the trophy, cementing their place in King School history.