Neelam Sandhu, a 13-year-old, seventh-grade student from Bedford finished as one of the top ten finalists in the preliminary round of the National Geographic Bee this morning in Washington, D.C.

The 10 finalists, culled down from 54 competitors from all 50 states and several US territories, competed in the final round May 24, moderated by “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek.

First prize is a $25,000 college scholarship, lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society and a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Second- and third-place winners receive $15,000 and $10,000 college scholarships respectively.