The annual National Geographic Bee returns for the 19th consecutive year with host and moderator Alex Trebek. Students representing all 50 states come together for the national bee after having first compete d in school and state level competitions . Eighth-grader Solomon Mayer of Lexington's Sayre School will represent Kentucky at that competition. Ten finalists, grades four through eight, mov e on to the final championship. The final round of competition will air Thursday, May 24 at 5/4 p.m. CT on KET2 .

The 10 finalists will compete for $25,000 , $15,000 and $10,000 scholarships . Q uestions span topics including capitals, landforms, culture and environment . The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject and increase public awareness about geography.

2007 National Geographic Bee is produced by National Geographic Television .