GM 8th grader to compete in state Geo Bee; Springfield Rotary seeks scholarship applicants

Green Mountain Union High eighth-grader Chase Ordway-Smith has been chosen one of the semi-finalists eligible to compete in the  2015 Vermont National Geographic State Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek. The contest will be held at Middlebury College on Friday, March 27.

Chase Ordway-Smith goes on to the state Geo Bee at the end of March.

His parents are Tara Ordway-Smith and Gloria Smith of Chester.

This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, which is now in its 27^th year. School Bees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion. School champions then took a qualifying test, which they submitted to the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society has invited up to 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories to compete in the state Bees.

Each state champion will receive $100, the “National Geographic Atlas of the World, 10^th Edition,” a medal, and a trip to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in the National Geographic Bee Championship to be held at National Geographic Society headquarters, May 11-13. The national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the Society. The national champion will also travel (along with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, to the Galápagos Islands, where he/she will experience geography firsthand through up-close encounters with the islands’ unique wildlife and landscapes. Visit www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee for more information on the National Geographic Bee.

Springfield Rotary offering two $2,500 scholarships

The Springfield Rotary Club is accepting applications for its annual Scholarship Program.

The Rotary Club will award two $2,500 scholarships to Springfield High School graduating seniors based on criteria including academic performance, financial need and good citizenship.

The scholarships can be used for direct expenses associated with post-secondary education. Applications are available through the Springfield High School guidance office or by contacting Rotarian Bob Flint at 802-885-3061. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 1, 2015. The Rotary scholarships are funded through proceeds from the annual Rotary Penny Sale.