BY MELISSA CIFELLI
Staff Writer
Tejas Raje SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Tejas Raje knows the right place to finish.
Tejas, 14, an eighth-grader at Crossroads North Middle School and National Geographic Bee state champion, finished ninth among 55 competitors at the National Geographic Bee Competition held last week in Washington, D.C.
Tejas’ finish made him one of only two competitors who placed in the Top 10 after only their first visit to the National Geographic Bee finals.
Unsure of his ability in preliminary rounds, Tejas said he became more confident as the competition progressed, eventually landing a perfect score in those early rounds, which guaranteed him a spot in the final top 10.
The two-day competition split 50 state winners and five territory winners into several groups, with a total of nine questions each. Those with perfect scores or the most number right moved on to the final rounds.
In the finals, two wrong answers meant elimination for Tejas.
Tejas, who was accompanied by his family and social studies teacher Scott McManus, prepared for the national competition much like he did for the state one — by reading atlases and with quizzes from his parents. Tejas said he tried to study more in-depth with his geography.
Tejas said he became confused about a question that asked, “The construction of a dam threatened the ancient site in Fars Province in what mountain range that partly extends from Iran to the Straight of Hormuz?” Answer: the Zagros Mountains.
Despite his loss, Tejas, who remained humble about his achievement in the competition, said he was pleased with his efforts and chance to meet with bright students from around the country.
“I had a lot of fun,” Tejas said.
Tejas’ mother, Amita, said the opportunity to compete in the nationals was particularly important to her son, as it was his last chance to compete in the geography bee. There is currently no high school level geography competition, she said.
Amita called the trip a positive experience and was impressed by how smart, but humble the students were.
“They just wanted to learn more,” Amita said.
Amita said she is also proud of the possibility of Tejas competing in the world championships.
As a top 10 finalist, Tejas and the top 10 winners of 2004 are eligible to compete in the seventh National Geographic World Competition set for July 10 through 15 in Budapest, Hungary.
By placing in the top 10, Tejas received a $500 certificate as well as goody bags from the other competitors.
The national title went to 13-year-old Nathan Cornelius, of Cottonwood, Minn.
Tejas said he went back to his regular activities after the competition. According to Amita, her son went right back to playing video games.