NATCHEZ — Peyton Ryan, son of Jackie and Kelli Ryan, is a fourth grade student at Cathedral School who recently won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Jan. 17.

He now has a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship. The school-level bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 20th annual National Geographic Bee.

The bee is sponsored by the National Geographic Society.

The kickoff for this year’s Bee was the week of Nov. 12, with thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participating.

As school winner Ryan will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers in each state will be eligible to compete in their state bee April 4.

The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the National Geographic Bee national championship on May 20 and 21.

The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the Society.

“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek will moderate the national finals on May 21.

The program will air on television. Check local listings for dates and times.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Soceity works to inspire people to care about the planet.

It reaches more than 300 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise.

National Geographic has funded more than 8,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com