Somerset, NJ — May 2026 — On May 21, a sixth grader from Somerset quietly made history.
Vallabh Vijayaraj, a student at Cedar Hill Preparatory School, was named National Champion at the US Geography Bee 2026 — the pinnacle of academic geography competition in the country. Days later, he returned to the stage to claim Third Place at the National Geography Bee on May 24, confirming what his school has known for years: this is a young scholar of exceptional depth, focus, and range.
But Vallabh's story doesn't begin and end with geography.
Across a competition season that would be impressive for a student twice his age, Vallabh earned a Gold Medal on the Asian Geography Exam and a Bronze Medal on the American Geography Exam, placed Sixth in the US Geography Championship Exam, and reached the Semi-Finals of the National Academic Bee. Alongside teammate Aaryan Shah, he also captured Third Place in the National Geography Bowl — a grueling, 10+ hour team competition that tested not just knowledge, but stamina and collaboration.
Perhaps most remarkable of all was his recognition as Distinguished Delegate in the Introduction to Model United Nations program, where he represented South Africa before the World Health Organization in a committee dedicated to pandemic prevention. In a room full of young diplomats, Vallabh brought research, poise, and genuine global awareness to the table.
It is the kind of performance that speaks to something deeper than preparation — it reflects a student who has been encouraged to think broadly, engage deeply, and show up fully for every challenge placed before him.
Cedar Hill Preparatory School, a Preschool to 8 International Baccalaureate Candidate school located at 152 Cedar Grove Lane in Somerset, NJ, has long cultivated exactly this kind of learner — one who doesn't simply excel in a single subject, but grows into a knowledgeable, principled, and globally-minded individual. Vallabh's extraordinary season is a testament to that mission, and to the student who showed up and made it his own.
Cedar Hill Preparatory School is located at 152 Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset, NJ. Learn more at cedarhillprep.com.