A fourth grader from northeast Mississippi has a chance to be crowned “America’s Favorite Student.”
Bentley Scruggs, a student at Rankin Elementary School in Tupelo, is currently in second place in his group as part of a nationwide competition presented by Bill Nye “the Science Guy” and The Planetary Society. The competition invites students ages 6-17 to showcase their academic passions and character.
Scruggs, a 10-year-old participant, is one of the leaders of the pack vying for an opportunity to have his academic prowess displayed in a “Reader’s Digest” feature, earn $20,000 for his future education, and visit the Planetary Society in Pasadena, Calif., alongside Nye. The Planetary Society is a major nonprofit aimed at helping pupils learn about missions to increase discoveries within the solar system, elevate the search for life beyond Earth, and decrease the risk of mankind suffering an asteroid collision.
Nye, arguably the most influential American science educator through his work in television, will take part in an exclusive meet-and-greet with the winner of America’s Favorite Student. During the encounter, Nye will more than likely encourage the youth learner to explore big ideas and help shape a smarter, brighter future.
Voting for the top 10 in the competition will end on Thursday at 9 p.m. CT. Those interested in making Scruggs’ dreams come true can do so by clicking here.