The Nixon Library Docent Guild hosted their 16th annual geography award ceremony in the East Room at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library on Tuesday, honoring over 300 Orange County students who achieved perfect scores for accurately identifying the world’s continents, countries, oceans, and other natural features.
Docent Guild member John Mesko opened the ceremony. Nixon Presidential Library Director Timothy Naftali, Placentia Schools Superintendent Dennis Smith, Nixon Foundation Chairman Kris Elftmann, and Nixon Foundation Executive Vice President Sandy Quinn also gave remarks.
The Nixon Library was a fitting venue for the awards, as the Thirty-Seventh President’s childhood interest in geography matured into a life-long passion and inspired his legendary statesmanship.
Elftmann explained that RN was an avid reader of National Geographic and went on to become one of the most traveled President’s in American history, visiting 56 countries and 5 continents.
Superintendent Smith also stressed the importance of learning about geography, even if it seems modern communication and technology is making the world smaller. Alluding to President Nixon’s mastery of the subject, Smith recalled the historic trips to China and Russia: “the world has moved rapidly ever since.”
Placentia Superintendent Superintendent Dennis Smith gave remarks at the 16th Annual Docent Guild Geography award ceremony in the East Room at the Nixon Library. More than 300 Orange County students were honored this year.