FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) - As he was growing up, Connor Fraley was fascinated with geography. He created his own maps, studied globes and read books about different geological periods.
Connor’s knack for geography and natural attention to detail recently propelled the eighth-grader to represent South Carolina at the National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C.
“It’s not an explicit hobby I do, but it’s just interesting,” Connor said.
In the winter, Connor began the journey to nationals by winning the Williams Middle School geography bee. He then took a qualifying test for state and competed in the state bee.
Connor competed with students across South Carolina in March. He aced all three stages of the competition and qualified to represent the Palmetto State at nationals.
“I went in with low expectations because I didn’t want to think I would win it and then let myself down,” Connor said. “I ended up surprising myself.”
For winning the state competition, Connor received a medal, $100, a National Geographic Atlas and a trip to Washington, D.C.
“Being from a small town, I do not go to big cities that often, and I had never been to D.C.,” Connor said. “It was so cool for me to see all the monuments I had seen in textbooks and on TV but never up close.”
Connor said he also enjoyed going to the zoo and riding on the Metro for the first time.
“It was a fun experience and much different from Florence,” Connor said.
The National Geographic Bee was held in May at National Geographic ’s headquarters. Connor competed against 53 other middle school students. While he did not place in the top 10, he said he had a successful run.
Connor sat with the other state winners in the front rows of the auditorium to watch the top 10 compete.
“I even had a brief moment of TV stardom when they mentioned the state winners,” Connor said. “It was entertaining to see the bee from a front-row seat.”
Connor will attend Wilson High School’s I.B. Program as a freshman in the fall. Because he enjoys learning how things work, Connor would like to pursue a career in computer engineering.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.