Thunder Mountain 8th Grader Headed to State Geo Bee Friday

's Alexander Beals could be on his way to meeting another Alex -- that's Alex Trebek of Jeopardy fame.

Trebek is moderating the national Geographic Bee competition later this year and young Alexander only needs to nail the state competition Friday, April 1 to earn his ticket to Washington, D.C. in May.

That's easier said than done -- schools from all over Washington state are sending 100 of their best geography whizzes to Tacoma this Friday, and only the last whiz standing makes the cut for the national competition. Scroll down to the bottom for some sample questions to see if you'd make the cut.

The winner of the state competition also receives $100 as well as a "The Complete National Geographic" DVD along with their all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the national finals on May 24 and May 25.

According to a release from National Geographic, first prize in the national competition is a $25,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society. Second- and third-place finishers receive $15,000 and $10,000 college scholarships, respectively. Additionally, the national winner will travel (with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, to the Galápagos Islands to experience geography firsthand through up-close encounters with the wildlife and landscape of the islands. 

We at Patch were not able to reach Alexander's parents or teachers for comment but wish him the best of luck on Friday. The competition takes place at Pacific Lutheran University at the University Center -- Chris Knutzen Hall. Preliminary rounds begin at 10:30 a.m. with final round at 1:15 p.m.

More information:

National Geographic Bee 

Sample questions:

Which state has a climate suitable for growing citrus fruits—California or Maine?

Which country has the world's largest Muslim population—Indonesia or Mexico?

The North Atlantic current brings warm waters from the tropics to the west coast of which continent?

What is the term for a part of an ocean or sea that cuts far into the bordering landmass and may contain one or more bays?

Which Canadian province produces more than half of the country's manufactured goods?

To visit the ruins of Persepolis, an ancient ceremonial capital of Persia, you would have to travel to what present-day country?

Click here to view the answers.