Contact Information: Contact: Carol Thorp/Elaine Beno 714-885-2333
Webb School Senior Wins State Title in AAA Travel Challenge
Will Travel to Orlando for Finals and Possible $20,000 College Scholarship
| Source: Auto Club of So. Calif.
CLAREMONT-LA VERNE, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- March 27, 2007 -- Riley T. Lewis, of Claremont, a
senior at Webb School of California, matched his travel geography wits
against students from across California to take home the state title in the
fifth annual AAA Travel High School Challenge. This May, Lewis will travel
to Orlando to compete in the national finals for a chance at the national
title, a $20,000 college scholarship, and additional prizes.
"Surveys continue to show American teens trailing their international
counterparts in geographic literacy, so it's great to see a high school
student like Riley excelling in their travel and geographic knowledge,"
said the Automobile Club of Southern California's Regional Manager Deborah
Dario. "He'll compete against some of the nation's brightest students."
The AAA Travel High School Challenge aims to increase teens' travel
knowledge and geographic literacy while making teens aware of travel
industry career opportunities.
More than 50,000 9-12 grade students registered across the country for the
online first portion of the competition. Lewis scored the highest on the
second portion -- a 40-question written, proctored exam taken by the five
state finalists. The state exam challenged students' knowledge of U.S. and
world geography, with an emphasis on travel and tourist destinations.
Finals will be held May 19-22 at Universal Studios in Orlando. Students
will compete in a high-stakes, single-elimination bee for a grand prize
$20,000 scholarship. Second- and third-place winners will receive $10,000
and $5,000 scholarships.
In addition to the unrestricted scholarship competition, students also
could use their travel and geography knowledge to compete in a
travel-specific scholarship program for those interested in careers in the
travel and tourism industry. State essay winners will receive a $1,000
scholarship and will compete for a national essay award for a $5,000
scholarship.
Sponsors of the AAA Travel High School Challenge include: Bank of America,
Continental Airlines, Hard Rock Live, Marriott, Pleasant Holidays and
Universal Orlando. More information about the competition is available at
www.aaa.com/travelchallenge.