By Julie Johansen
On Thursday, after seven preliminary rounds and four final rounds, the field of 17 contestants from grades fourth through sixth at Castle Dale Elementary’s geography bee was cut to four: Jace Frandsen, West Johansen, Parker Esplin and Rylan Neff.
The next rounds of competition were single elimination and at this time, Parker Esplin was awarded fourth place. Then, after several elimination rounds, the field was cut to two and Rylan Neff received the third place certificate and ribbon. Rounds continued, which eventually gave Jace Frandsen first-place honors while West Johansen finished second.
Earlier that day, lower grade students also competed in their own geography bee with James White capturing first place followed by Maxwell Sorensen and Porter Stilson, who finished second and third, respectively.