Pupils from local elementary and middle schools have qualified to attend the state Geography Bee – the second level of the National Geographic Bee. Preliminary rounds will take place at 12:45 p.m. Friday, April 2, at the University of Maine’s Memorial Union in Orono, followed by the final round at 3 p.m. in the University’s Donald P. Corbett Business Building.

The pupils are:

. Verity Ramirez, grade eight, Bangor Christian School, Bangor.

. Michael Amato, grade eight, Veazie Community School, Bangor.

. Megan Day, grade eight, James F. Doughty School, Bangor.

. Joshua Scripture, grade seven, William S. Cohen School, Bangor.

. Austin Michaud, grade six, Reeds Brook Middle School, Hampden.

. Lily Judd, grade eight, Center Drive School, Orrington.

As many as 100 fourth- through eighth-graders, in each of 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and Department of Defense Dependents Schools will take part in the state bees.

According to the National Geographic Society, the same procedures used in the 2003 competition are being followed for the 2004 bee to ensure appropriate range and difficulty. Last year’s questions included identifying the body of water bordered by Beirut, Tripoli, and Tel Aviv, and naming the state that doesn’t have any barrier islands.

First place winners will receive $100, a National Geographic globe and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the national finals May 25-26, where they will vie for the 2004 National Geographic Bee crown. Schools of the state winners will receive Educational Insights’ GeoSafari game.