WEST MILFORD James Timmins, a sixth-grade student at Westbrook School, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Jan. 5 and 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 18th annual National Geographic Bee. The bee is sponsored by the National Geographic Society. The kickoff for this year’s bee was the week of November 14, with thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participating. The school winners, including James Timmins, 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. The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the National Geographic Bee national championship in May. 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. The program will air on the National Geographic Channel, and afterward on public television stations, produced by Maryland Public Television. Check local listings for dates and times. Homeroom winners for the fourth grade were Nick Konopka, Kohl Donnelly and Regis Mahoney. Fifth grade homeroom winners were Kurt Petsch, Michael Tyler and Shaine Timmins. Representing the sixth grade were Andrew Clifford, James Timmins and Stephanie Gervasi.