Middle school student Aaron Held recently took first place in his school’s National Geographic Bee.

To earn the title, the seventh-grader competed against 25 of his peers, placing just ahead of Massimo Cipriano and Mattea Rabeno, who captured second and third place, respectively.

Aaron now has the opportunity to qualify for the state geography bee. On Jan. 29, he took the regional online qualifying test. The results of that exam will be made available in early March.

The Port Jefferson School District extends its congratulations to Aaron and wishes him continued success in the competition.