Ohio Conference Schools Compete in Geography Challenge

Story by Francis Tuffour

Students from Seventh-day Adventist schools across Ohio recently participated in the 2025 Geography Challenge in Toledo, an event organized by the Ohio Conference Education Department. Toledo Junior Academy hosted the competition, which brought together young learners eager to test their geographical knowledge in a fun yet challenging setting.

In his welcome remarks, Shaun Lazarus, principal of Toledo Junior Academy, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Ohio Conference, thanking the participants for their enthusiasm and participation.

Following an opening prayer by Kojo Twumasi, Toledo First church pastor, Ohio Conference Education Superintendent Rick Bianco explained the competition rules and format. The contest was divided into two groups: students in grades 1–4 answered questions on U.S. geography, while those in grades 5–8 tackled questions about Asia.

The challenge featured 10 rounds, with students taking turns on stage to answer questions. After responding, each contestant moved to the back of the line until they accumulated three incorrect answers, following what Bianco called “the old baseball rule.” This elimination process continued until the first, second and third-place winners were determined.

The Ohio Conference office staff played an essential role in making the event successful. Executive Secretary Oswaldo Magaña and Treasurer Andrew Sutton served as judges, carefully overseeing the competition. Associate Treasurer Zachary Sharpe kept the event engaging as the emcee, and Esther Barton, administrative assistant for the Education Department, ensured the event ran smoothly as the official timekeeper. Bianco, who prepared the questions, managed the slides. Ohio Conference President Bob Cundiff attended to show his support. Their combined efforts helped create a well-organized and exciting experience for all participants.

Nine of the 11 Ohio Conference-owned schools participated in the contest, including Eastwood Junior Academy, Mayfair Christian Academy, Mount Vernon Elementary School, Northern Ohio Adventist Academy, Piqua Elementary School, Spring Valley Academy, Toledo Junior Academy, Worthington Adventist Academy, and Zanesville Adventist Academy. Allegheny West Conference’s Columbus Adventist Academy also joined the event for the second consecutive year.

Parents, teachers and friends attended to support the contestants, cheering for the winners and encouraging those who were eliminated. The students demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, celebrating each other’s successes and learning experiences.

At the end of the event, the following students earned top honors:

Grades 1–4:

First Place: Andrew, Spring Valley Academy

Second Place: Stevie, Mount Vernon Elementary

Third Place: Noah, Eastwood Junior Academy

Grades 5–8:

First Place: Ajak, Spring Valley Academy

Second Place: Guy, Spring Valley Academy

Third Place: Wesley, Zanesville Adventist Academy

Each group’s first- and second-place winners received trophies and cash prizes of $100 and $50, respectively. Third-place winners were awarded medals and $25 each.

After the competition, Andrew, the grades 1–4 winner, shared that the most challenging question he faced was “the one on the Delaware River. It really messed me up.”

Ajak, the grades 5–8 champion, added, “I feel good, praise God.” Judges note that throughout the 10 rounds, he answered all but one question correctly.