National Geographic Learning Announces Elementary School as Winner of First-Ever “Meet a National Geographic Explorer” Contest
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8:00 AM on Tuesday, October 7
The Associated Press
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 7, 2025--
National Geographic Learning | Cengage School (NGL), part of global edtech company Cengage Group, today announced the winner of its first-ever “Meet a National Geographic Explorer” Contest, an initiative designed to inspire students by connecting classrooms directly with a National Geographic Explorer.
After receiving entries nationwide, P.S. 86Q in Queens, New York, was selected as the grand prize winner of an in-person presentation for the full school by a National Graphic Explorer. The winning essay, submitted by fifth-grade science teacher Dr. Livia Gama Fagundes, highlighted the immeasurable importance of bringing the real world into the classroom, particularly for students in under resourced communities. Gama Fagundes noted that while she utilizes technology and simulations in her lessons, nothing compares to interactive, sensory experiences that make learning come alive.
Later this month National Geographic Explorer Malaika Vaz will visit the school to share her journey as a storyteller and conservationist. Through her firsthand experiences and interactive discussion, she will show students how geography, science and global citizenship intersect – and explore future careers in science, conservation and storytelling. Vaz is also a filmmaker, TV presenter and CEO of Untamed Planet, the production company behind award-winning films for National Geographic, BBC and PBS.
“At National Geographic Learning, our mission is to bring the world into the classroom with hands-on and interactive engagement to deliver memorable and experiential learning,” said Marty Lange, EVP & GM, Cengage School. “The entries we received as part of this contest highlight the transformative impact of connecting students with real-world Explorers and changemakers. By opening a window to careers across diverse fields, we strive to help students imagine possibilities they may have never considered. We are especially proud to support educators like Dr. Livia Gama Fagundes, who go above and beyond to make learning meaningful and who remind us that global experiences should be accessible to every student, no matter their background or location.”
In addition to the grand prize, six runner-up classrooms from across the country have been selected to receive a virtual Explorer presentation in November, also led by Vaz. These interactive sessions will give students the chance to discover global careers and see how they can make a difference in their own communities.
Congratulations to the contest runners-up, including:
- Jody Suprenant, Hudson Falls School District, NY
- Rich Moore, Canutillo, TX
- Wendy Lapeyrolerie, Nederland High School, NISD, TX
- Beri Ndi, Parkdale High School, MD
- Michelle Brunik, Minnetonka Middle School East, MN
- Christopher Fabian, Southmoreland High School, PA
The “Meet a National Geographic Explorer” Contest reflects National Geographic Learning’s commitment to making world-class educational opportunities accessible to all students. Many submissions highlighted the challenge of providing global experiences for under resourced schools, making this initiative especially impactful in helping to provide more equitable learning opportunities.
For more information about the program and winners, visit the National Geographic Learning blog.
About Cengage and National Geographic Learning | Cengage School
National Geographic Learning, part of Cengage School. Cengage (NGL) provides millions of learners with high-quality learning content, digital products, and support to power learning individually and at scale. NGL seeks to transform teaching and learning by bringing the world to the classroom and the classroom to life. Cengage School provide relevant content to inspire teachers and impact learners with exclusive access to National Geographic, Big Ideas Learning, and Cengage curriculum and learning technology. For more information, visit: www.cengageschool.com. or find us on LinkedIn or X.
About Cengage Group
Cengage Group is a global edtech company with over 100 years of experience supporting learners. Our four operating units—Higher Education, School, Work and English Language Learning—serve millions of students from middle school to graduate school and workforce skills training in over 125 countries.
We empower student choice through trusted content, AI-driven insights, and scalable digital platforms that connect education to employment, ensuring learners gain career-ready skills and achieve tangible outcomes. Visit us at www.cengagegroup.com or find us on LinkedIn or X.
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CONTACT: Media:
Emily Featherston, VP, Corporate Communications, Cengage Group
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SOURCE: Cengage School
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PUB: 10/07/2025 09:00 AM/DISC: 10/07/2025 09:02 AM
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