STORY
Ohio Conference Schools Compete in 2025 Geography Challenge
February 20, 2025
Francis Tuffour
Today, students from Adventist schools across Ohio participated in the 2025 Geography Challenge in Toledo, an event organized by the Ohio Conference Education Department. The competition, hosted by Toledo Junior Academy, brought together young learners eager to test their geographical knowledge in a fun and challenging setting.
Opening Ceremony & Competition Format
In his welcome remarks, Shaun Lazarus, principal of Toledo Junior Academy, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Ohio Conference. He thanked the participants for accepting the invitation and shared his joy in seeing so many young minds gather for the event.
Following an opening prayer by Kojo Twumasi, pastor of Toledo First Seventh-day Adventist Church, Rick Bianco, Education Superintendent of the Ohio Conference, explained the ground rules and format of the challenge. The organizers divided the competition into two main groups. Students in grades 1-4 answered questions focused on U.S. geography, while those in grades 5-8 tackled questions about Asia.
The challenge featured 10 rounds, with contestants taking turns on stage to answer questions. After responding, each student moved to the back of the line and continued until the judges eliminated a contestant who received three strikes, a rule Bianco called “the old baseball rule.”
This process continued until the first, second, and third-place winners were determined. Contestants had 20 seconds to answer each question.
Key Roles & Conference Support
Each year, the Ohio Conference office staff play essential roles in making the Geography Challenge a success, and this year was no exception. Ohio Conference President Bob Cundiff attended the event to show his support. Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary, and Andrew Sutton, Treasurer, served as judges, carefully overseeing the competition. Zachary Sharpe, Associate Treasurer, took on the role of emcee, keeping the event engaging and well-paced. Meanwhile, Esther Barton, Administrative Assistant for the Education Department, ensured the smooth running of the challenge as the official timekeeper. Bianco, who prepared the questions, was in charge of the slides. Their collective contributions helped create a well-organized and exciting experience for all participants.
Participating Schools & Attendees
Nine of the 11 Ohio Conference-owned schools participated in the contest, including Eastwood Junior Academy, Mayfair Christian Academy, Mount Vernon Elementary School, Northern Ohio Adventist Academy, Piqua Elementary School, Spring Valley Academy, Toledo Junior Academy, Worthington Adventist Academy, and Zanesville Adventist Academy.
Additionally, Columbus Adventist Academy from the Allegheny West Conference joined for their second consecutive year.
Parents, teachers, and friends attended to support the contestants, offering cheers and applause for the winners and those who were eliminated. The students demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, encouraging one another throughout the competition.
Winners & Awards
At the end of the event, the following students earned top honors:
Grades 1-4:
• First Place: Andrew – Spring Valley Academy
• Second Place: Stevie – Mount Vernon Elementary
• Third Place: Noah – Eastwood Junior Academy
Grades 5-8:
• First Place: Ajak – Spring Valley Academy
• Second Place: Guy – Spring Valley Academy
• Third Place: Wesley – Zanesville Adventist Academy
First and second-place winners in each group received trophies and cash prizes of $100 and $50, respectively. Third-place winners were awarded medals and $25 each.
Student Reflections
After the competition, Ajak, the grades 5-8 champion, shared his thoughts: “I feel good, praise God.” Judges noted that throughout the 10 rounds, he answered all but one question correctly. Andrew, the grades 1-4 winner, also expressed his excitement. When asked about the most challenging question he faced, he said, “The one on the Delaware River, it really messed me up.”
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