Eighth grade student Malvi Ghandi moved one step closer to a $25,000 college scholarship by winning the first round of the 24^th Annual National Geographic Bee at the school level. This qualifies her to take a written test where up to 100 of the top scorers will be eligible to compete at the state level, which will be held on March 30, 2012.

State champions will be provided with an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC, for them and a teacher-escort, to participate in the championship rounds of the bee moderated by “Jeapordy” host, Alex Trebek in May. The national champion will receive a $25,000 college scholarship, a lifetime membership in the society and a trip to the Galapagos Islands.

We wish Malvi the best of luck as she prepares for this exciting adventure.