Hampden Meadows School fifth-grader Eli Terrell made his principal very proud recently.

After winning the school geography bee and qualifying for the state tournament, Eli out-scored 95 other students at the state finals and nearly earned himself a trip to nationals. The recent accomplishment earned the praise of Tracey McGee, principal at Hampden Meadows School.

"I was there and I couldn't separate my motherly pride and my pride as a principal," said Ms. McGee. "It was really impressive."

At the state geography bee, all 100 students were required to answer eight questions. The top 10 scorers then advance to the finals. Eli was one of only two students at the state bee to answer all eight questions correctly; the other student was an eighth-grader.

Ms. McGee said Eli continued to impress during the finals. The local boy sat with the other finalists and correctly answered one tough question after another. Five other finalists were eliminated from the competition before Eli bowed out. 

Ms. McGee said she was very pleased with how well Eli performed in the competition. She added that he is a well-rounded student and did not neglect his other studies or interests while preparing for the contest.

Ms. McGee said Eli appeared to be calm throughout the state finals.

"I think I was more nervous than he was," she said.

Ms. McGee said the state geography bee pits students in grades five through eight; competitors may not be older than 15.