Cheers and applause filled the Grade 5 history classroom on Monday, April 28, as students competed in the first-ever Grade 5 Geography Bee. The event was organized by Tyler Sanchez ’32, who was inspired to create it after learning about a similar event in the Middle School from his brother, Joseph Sanchez '29. 

In January, an enthusiastic Tyler approached his teacher, Helen Santoro, with the idea of hosting a bee. With encouragement from Santoro and the support of Head of Lower School Sandy Lizaire-Duff, Tyler began planning what would become a memorable moment for the entire grade.

“King believes in empowering students and encouraging them to follow their passions, and that’s exactly what Tyler did,” said Santoro.

Tyler worked with his teachers over several weeks to refine the structure and craft the content, developing nearly 100 questions for the competition, carefully considering how to make the event both fun and challenging. 

“I have never done anything like this before, but I always wanted to,” shared Tyler. “Mrs. Santoro was really supportive, and I couldn’t have done it without her.”

In addition to organizing, Tyler brought his own humor and energy to the competition as host, guiding his peers through each round with confidence and charisma. His leadership made the competition a lively, engaging event that reflected his passion for worldly knowledge.

Student pairs faced off in elimination rounds, buzzing in to answer questions on national and international landmarks, cities, states, and geological features. Those who answered incorrectly were eliminated, but not empty-handed. Each received a Hershey’s Kiss, a nod to the Aztecs, who considered cacao a gift from the gods.

After 30 minutes of nail-biting competition, Jasper Coulombe ’32 emerged as the victor of the inaugural competition. 

“I wasn’t really confident at first because there are others in my grade who know a lot about geography,” recalled Jasper. “I had a lot of pressure going into the second round of the semifinals, but by the third round I thought ‘I can actually win this!’”

Jasper credited his winning knowledge in part to the various trips he’s taken with his family.

“Every time we’re about to go to a new country or city, I do slide shows and learn about that place,” he said.

What made the event especially memorable wasn’t just the facts and answers, but the spirit of the students involved. The event highlighted the supportive and tight-knit nature of the Grade 5 community, and it showed what can happen when students are empowered to pursue their initiatives. 

“Together, one student’s idea was turned into a fun, memorable experience that celebrated learning, curiosity, and student voice,” said Santoro, “and it just might be the start of a new annual Grade 5 tradition!”