Home state: Washington

Grade level: Eighth

Lawson Fite became interested in geography at a very young age. “My father had a National Geographic atlas which I liked to lie on, tracing the highways, railroads, and rivers. I did this so often and for so long that the binding of the atlas broke,” he explains. This interest in geography paid off; Lawson was a two-time winner of the Washington State competition, and he became the national champion in 1992.

During high school, Lawson was part of his school’s Knowledge Bowl team, competed in the Washington Academic Decathlon, and was selected as a National Merit Scholar. He played the trumpet in four musical groups and sang in two others. In 1996 Lawson appeared on the Jeopardy! Teen Tournament. Today, he is a freshman at Harvard University.

Like other Bee winners, Lawson says reading is the most important way to prepare for the competition. “Reading is the best way to acquire knowledge naturally, without cramming,” he explains. Lawson also understands the importance of geography. He says, “Nearly every subject is made more complete by the introduction of a geographic perspective. Every eligible school should participate. It’s a great program and a tremendous opportunity.”

Winning Question:

Many coastal countries have established so-called EEZs—areas extending 200 nautical miles from shore over which countries have sovereign rights for resource exploration. What do the initials EEZ stand for?

Answer: Exclusive Economic Zone

Photograph by Pete Souza