News : Schwab, 2nd Place at Regional National Geography Bee, Internationals Bound!

Keegan Schwab, has always had a passion for learning about the world. As a result, he placed second in a regional National Geography Bee, which is an incredible achievement for someone in the 6th grade. Because of his hard work and dedication, Keegan now qualifies for both the national and international competitions! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to represent the Vinton community and pursue his dreams on a much larger stage.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School 6th Grader, will attend the Championships this summer in Thailand. His mom, Virginia Schwab, said that of course her family is so very proud of this accomplishment!

In a press release the International Geography Championships (IGC) said that they are hosting the "biennial world championship level event that brings together the world’s best young geography students ages 8-18.

Organized by International Academic Competitions (www.iacompetitions.com), IGC consists of 47 separate geography-themed competitions along with field trips and social activities for the competing students and their accompanying family members.

IGC 2026 is set to take place in Khao Lak, Thailand from July 4-11, and approximately 250 students representing 20 countries and 30 US states are expected to attend. One student who has qualified for the 2026 International Geography Championships and is expected to attend is Keegan Schwab, a 6th grader at Vinton Shellsburg Middle School in Vinton, Iowa.

Keegan took second place at the 2026 Des Moines Regional Tournament for the National Geography Bee, and was the top finisher from Iowa in his age group. He is eager to represent Iowa on the world stage this summer, as students from the USA represent their state at the International Geography Championships."

International Academic Competitions is providing Keegan with a significant discount on the registration fees for the event, but he and his family are still in need of assistance, particularly regarding the travel costs to reach Thailand this summer. Any help that community members can provide would be greatly appreciated so that he can represent Team Iowa at IGC 2026...and of course Vinton.

To learn more about the 2026 International Geography Championships, please visit the official website at www.geochampionships.com. 

If you can help Keegan and his family make the trip, feel free to make a donation by clicking HERE to go to his GoFundMe page. 

Congratulations Keegan!