Neveln Elementary School will be the local host for the first round of the 2003 National Geography Bee.

Fourth- and fifth-grade students will compete as they deliver their geographical knowledge with each questioned asked.

The student who wins the Neveln competition will proceed to take a test, which is sent to the state organizers of the competition.

If the Neveln student places in the top 100 students in the state, that student will compete in a smaller state competition with the potential to advance to the national bee.

The winner of the national championship has a chance to win the first prize $25,000 college scholarship.

The national competition will be held May 20 and 21 in Washington D.C.

In its 15th year, the National Geographic Society holds the National Geography Bee for students in the fourth to eighth grade in schools across the country and Department of Defense dependents schools.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com