Nearly three dozen Bay Area students will be heading to Jacksonville in a couple of weeks to compete in the Florida State Geography Bee.

  • 3 dozen Bay Area students to compete in Florida State Geography Bee
  • One student, competing for 2nd time, aims to be state champ
  • Sam Glickman also wants bragging rights over brother, a former semifinalist

One local student is aiming to be the state champ.

Sam Glickman, a student at Martinez Middle, won his school Geographic Bee competition and is taking that knowledge to compete in the Statewide National Geographic Bee.

“I hope that I win,” said Sam.

Not only is he aiming to win the title, he wants to win bragging rights over his older brother who also made it to the semifinals a few years ago.

“He thinks I’m good. He thinks he’s better,” Sam said.

That friendly, sibling rivalry has Sam studying every night. He even got extra coaching from the Geography Coordinator at his school.

“I think he’s going to do pretty well. I’m so proud of him for making it this far. I see him possibly winning this,” said Jack Coburn, Martinez Middle School Geography Bee Coordinator.

This wouldn’t be the first time a Bay Area student won the competition.

Rishi Nair took home the state title and the national title in Washington D.C.

Sam just hopes he’s the next one to win that prize.

He is one of about 30 students in the area selected to be on the statewide competition. This is also his second time competing.

The competition is on March 31st.

The winner will qualify to compete in the National Geographic Bee Championship in May.