Eighth grader Ahsan Saleem has knowledge of the world that is almost unmatched, bookending his time at Wantagh Middle School with first place finishes in the annual Geography Bee. Ahsan won the event on Jan. 8, which brought together nearly two dozen students from grades six through eight.

The Geography Bee has been a staple at the school for about two decades and previously was connected to an event hosted by National Geographic. Though it was discontinued six years ago nationally, Wantagh Middle School has sustained its own yearly competition. 

Preliminary rounds were held in social studies classes, and winners advanced to the schoolwide finals in the library. Teacher David Cippoletti asked students a wide range of geographic questions on states, countries and national parks. It was a double-elimination event and students remained until they answered two questions incorrectly.

Six students advanced to the eighth round. Ahsan emerged as the victor, with a five-way tie for second place among Thomas Boger, Lucas Diliberto, Aidan Ing, Taha Laghroudi and Mohitpreet Singh. Ahsan won the Geography Bee in sixth grade, finished second last year, and reclaimed the mantle in 2026.

The Geography Bee was hosted by the Humanities Department, led by Director Dr. Julie Rosslee. Many social studies teachers watched the finals, along with school and district administrators.