Home state: Michigan

Grade level: Eighth

Chris Galeczka was a national finalist in the 1994 National Geography Bee. In 1995 he returned and became the national champion. Like previous champions, Chris appeared on several television news shows. “It was very exciting for me to be on Good Morning America. My win really boosted my self-confidence,” he says.

In 1995 Chris was a member of the United States team that competed in the second International Geography Olympiad. “Geography has offered a lot of opportunities for me and has increased my understanding of the world,” he says. Chris is a sophomore in high school, and a member of his school’s Quiz Bowl team. He plans to attend college and says he would like a career in international affairs or politics—fields in which geography plays an important role.

In addition to the scholarship money, Chris cites another opportunity that winning the Bee provided. “My newfound local celebrity status lasted long after my win in Washington, D.C.”

Winning Question:

Pashtu and Dari are the official languages of which mountainous, landlocked country in southwestern Asia?

Answer: Afghanistan

Chris Galeczka (center) with two fellow finalists during the competition.

         Photgraph by Mark Thiessen