In a confident but humble voice, 11-year-old Alice Hyde gladly talks about the five continents she's explored and about the exciting African safari she's going on this summer with her grandparents from England.

The enthusiastic and articulate sixth-grader from St. Apollinaris says traveling has engaged her interest in geography, and her knack for the subject put her into the state finals of the National Geographic Geography Bee.

"I began studying geography because I wanted to learn more about the world I live in," said Alice.

This Friday in Sacramento, Alice competes against 99 other geography whizzes for a shot at the nationals.

Alice, a native of England, has lived in England and Japan, and moved to Napa at age 6. She's competed in the St. Apollinaris geography bee for the past two years, and said that traveling and living in various countries has helped her learn.

"In the competition, it wasn't the people who were the smartest that advanced, it was the people who traveled," she said.

Each year, the school holds two geography bees, one for fifth- and sixth-graders and another for seventh- and eighth-graders. In the two years Alice has participated, she advanced to compete in the seventh- and eighth-grade competition. Last year, Alice placed seventh out of 20.

To win the school competition this year was no easy feat, and Alice had to beat her friend, Alana Griffin, to grab the title. Don't worry, there weren't any hard feelings.

"We were both happy ... we celebrated by having pizza with our family," said Alice.

After being honored as geography ace at St. Apollinaris, Alice took a qualifying test to enter the state finals. In January, in the quiet office of Principal Patricia Granucci, she took the exam. For the next month and a half Alice eagerly asked "Have you received a postcard yet?"

National Geographic takes only the top 100 scores in the state to compete.

In early March, as Granucci was sorting mail she saw the postcard inviting Alice to the state finals.

"I was so excited ... and I ran down to the gym where she practicing basketball," said Granucci.

Alice is the second St. Apollinaris student in 14 years to attend the state finals. As time closes in and pressure rises, Alice remains cool and collected.

"I just hope I do well, I don't want to go out the first question," she said. "My goal is to do my best and see where that takes me."

Practicing for

the competition

As with any bee, review and persistence are key. During the school competition Michelle Hoffman, a parent volunteer, organized early morning study sessions for the geography bee participants.

"Sessions began at 7:50 a.m., and (Alice) beat me there ... always awake and happy," said Hoffman.

Different study methods were used during these sessions, and the students played games like "Maptangled," which Alice describes as Twister, but with geographic elements. Students also used card games and practiced map reading.

Even her family has gotten in on it. Alice's mother, Ingrid Croft, said that listening to National Public Radio and receiving magazines like Muse from the Smithsonian Institute help Alice have context for different locations. She also plays map games with her 8-year-old brother, Casper.

"You want to make it fun," said Alice. "You have to learn your country, especially the capitol of every state, and read a political map and topographic map."

Volunteers and school officials have all been charmed by Alice's personality and say that she brings energy to a subject not many consider interesting.

"She's an absolute delight," said Hoffman. "She's inspiring, and the other kids around her get caught up in her enthusiasm."

"She's very conscientious, and always gives her very best in whatever she does," said Granucci. "She's very happy with herself and takes things in stride."

While studying has taken a lot of hours of her life, Alice still remains active in extracurricular activities. She plays basketball at school, plays on the Napa/Sonoma Crush volleyball team and is learning how to play the flute.

Reading is also one of her favorite pastimes. She is reading fantasy adventure books by Tamora Pierce, which have strong female characters.

"I like the books because the heroines don't do what others want them to, they do what they want," said Alice.

Although she's not been described as a rebel, Alice has already begun to make plans for herself.

"I want to attend Stanford University," she said. "I don't want to just waste my education, I want to do something good with my life."