The 14th National Geographic Bee was held in Washington, D.C., on May 22, 2002, sponsored by the National Geographic Society. The final competition was moderated by Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek. The winner was Calvin McCarter, a homeschooled student from Jenison, Michigan, who won a $25,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society. As of 2019, McCarter is the only 5th grader to have won the competition. The 2nd-place winner, Matthew Russell of Bradford, Pennsylvania, won a $15,000 scholarship. The 3rd-place winner, Erik Miller of Kent, Washington, won a $10,000 scholarship. 2002 State Champions State Winner's Name Grade School City/Town Place Notes Isaiah P. Hess Top 10 finalist Aaron Kiersh Top 10 finalist Department of Defense Ryan J. Felix 8th won the Department of Defense Bee in 2001 Top 10 finalist Benjamin S. Detrixhe 5th Ames Elementary School Ames Top 10 finalist (9th place) Won the Kansas State Bee in 2001 Calvin McCarter 5th Jenison 2002 Champion New York Nathaniel R. Mattison Top 10 finalist Alexander Taylor Smith Top 10 finalist John Rice 8th Maddock Won the North Dakota State Bee in 2000 and 2001 Top 10 finalist Matthew Russell Bradford Second Place Derek Wells 5th Pinnacle Canyon Academy Wellington Washington Erik Miller Kent Third Place
References
External links National Geographic Bee Official Website