Sixth-grader Andrew Douglas (pictured on left) used his considerable knowledge of history to secure two top-five finishes at the National History Bee Championships in Louisville, Kentucky, in late May.
After correctly responding to the question “What illness contracted by Thomas Eric Duncan required his hospitalization at Texas Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas in September 2014?” (answer: Ebola), Douglas clinched victory in the elementary division of the Citizenship Bee, a competition focused on American history, government and current events. In claiming the title, he bested 750 elementary and sixth-grade students from all over the U.S.
Later, Douglas battled his way through the History Bee, the main event of the competition. Douglas narrowly missed the final four but finished fifth overall in the elementary division.
This was not the talented young historian’s first time competing. Last year, he was a runner-up in the National History Bee.
Douglas, a student at Jason Lee Middle School, hopes to advance to the National History Bee Championships again next year.