Geography dynamo Erin McKeown, 12, of Salt Lake's Uintah Elementary School, was one of 20 international winners in Delta Air Lines' World Adventure Challenge.
With the guidance of Steve Wills, her teacher at Uintah, Erin prepared a winning entry detailing the similarities and differences between Salt Lake City and San Juan, Puerto Rico.Open to sixth- through eighth- graders worldwide, the contest asked students to describe two special places - their hometown and the place they would most like to visit.
Students had to compare and contrast the personalities of both cities using the five themes of geography: location, place movement, human environment, interaction and region.
More than 4,000 entries were received. A panel of geography experts selected the 20 finalists based on content, creativity and clarity.
Earlier this month, Erin and the other 19 winners, along with their families and sponsoring teachers, flew to Orlando, Fla., for a four-day weekend, reception, awards ceremony and sports extravaganza.
Erin also received a $1,000 college scholarship. Her teacher received a $1,000 continuing scholarship.