"When

I get asked a word I don't know, I use phonics to figure it out,"

says Ellis.

While Ellis

had a plan of action to prepare for the spelling bee, he says he had no

preparation for the Geographic Society Geography Bee. This year, all Fayette

elementary and middle school students took tests in the classrooms to

determine which students would be represented in the school bee. According

to Ellis, he did not begin studying for the test until the day before

it was to take place.

Even after

being chosen to participate in North Fayette's bee, Ellis says he did

nothing to prepare for the school's competition. His winning question

for this bee was: "Where is Big Ben located?"

"I was

shocked that I won this one," says Ellis. "I read a lot so I

guess that is how I knew the answers."

Although Ellis

was shocked about winning the geography bee, his parents, Elaine and Author,

say they were not surprised.

"A.J.

studies a lot and works hard in school. We're excited and very proud of

him and his accomplishments," says Elaine Ellis.

Ellis says

his favorite subjects are reading and math. When he is not busy studying

or doing homework, he enjoys playing video games and basketball. Currently,

his career ambition is to become a professional basketball player.

Ellis will

compete in the county spelling bee Feb. 8. There is not a county bee for

geography. Winners at the school level take a written test to qualify

for the state geography bee, which will be in April. The top 100 students

throughout the state are selected to participate in the bee.