Quick! What is the capital of Bhutan? What is the monetary unit of Estonia? What is the largest religious group in Monaco? Ok, how many did you get right? Now imagine going through that drill on a stage in front of thousands of people, TV cameras, and Alex Trebek. For most, it sounds like the makings of a bad dream. For Paducah teen Hunter Watkins, it was the culmination of a passionate pursuit as he competed at the National Geographic Bee in May.
Quick! What is the capital of Bhutan? What is the monetary unit of Estonia? What is the largest religious group in Monaco? Ok, how many did you get right? Now imagine going through that drill on a stage in front of thousands of people, TV cameras, and Alex Trebek. For most, it sounds like the makings of a bad dream. For Paducah teen Hunter Watkins, it was the culmination of a passionate pursuit as he competed at the National Geographic Bee in May.
"Geography has always come easy to me," says thirteen year old Hunter, "and it is something I really enjoy."
"He used to learn songs with the states and capitals," adds Hunter's dad Don. "He could sing his way through the country!"
"But I found out quickly that memorizing countries and capitals was only scratching the surface," says Hunter.
It was a homeschool co-op geography class that boosted Hunter's interest in geography. "It's about rivers and currencies and flags and cultures and politics and history and earth science. Geography touches just about everything. There is a lot to it, and it is all interesting."
Hunter participated in a regional, homeschool geography bee, besting students from all over Western Kentucky. The win qualified him to take part in the state-level competition, which he also won. When asked if he was surprised that he won state, Hunter simply responds, "I was surprised I won regionally!" The state win then qualified Hunter to represent Kentucky in the National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C. back in May. Hunter was naturally excited.
"This was the 25th anniversary of the competition, which is presented by the National Geographic Society. I am also a fan of Alex Trebek and Jeopardy, and this was the last year for him to host." He continued to study, nearly wearing out a globe in the process. "The mountains are just about all worn down now. I am surprised it has stayed together."
"Me too," adds Don. "I think he even slept with it!"
Hunter and family were treated to a plethora of activities while in D.C., and Hunter participated in the bee tradition of exchanging items with the other competitors. "I had to bring 53 items that represented Kentucky. They had to be small. After the exchange, you have something from every state and territory."
No matter how much fun the trip was, however, he admits to being nervous. "Yes, it was intimidating. There is a part of the competition that is just luck. You don't know what questions you will get. I was able to answer everyone else's questions, but I couldn't seem to get my own!"
"These are very hard questions when you get to that level," adds Don. "One of them asked about a Baltic country that expanded into Russian territory in the 1400s. Who knows that? They'll show an island on Google Maps, and you have to name it without any references as to where it is. They'll zoom out for you, but you lose points with every zoom."
Hunter did not make it to the final round of competition, but wasn't surprised. "Most people never win the first year they compete. Winners have been there three or four times before they make it to the end."
"But now he's come home and is a minor celebrity," laughs Don. "There are kids coming up to him, calling him by name, and he has no idea who they are!"
Hunter considers the experience just one more step in a broader plan. "I want to be a geography major, and I want to get into the Military Academy at West Point. Geography is certainly important in the Army!"
Oh, in case you were wondering. The capital of Bhutan is Thimphu. Estonians use the Euro. And Monaco is predominately Roman Catholic.
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