National Geographic 2012 Spelling Bee Moderated by 'Jeopardy!' Host Alex Trebek

Who doesn't love a Spelling Bee? It's even more fun, when you're a viewer rather than participant. The National Geographic Channel will air the final round of the 2012 National Geographic Bee just hours after it takes place at National Geographic Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, May 24.

The two-hour, day-of-competition premiere, to be simulcast on both NGC and Nat Geo WILD, is a first for the National Geographic Bee, now in its 24th year.

Narrowed down from millions of students from across the country, only 10 will earn a coveted spot on stage at the final round. Students put it all on the line as they compete for coveted prizes.

Third place will receive a $10,000 scholarship, second place $15,000, and the winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship, lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society and a trip for two to the Galápagos Islands