WASHINGTON (AP) - Children and teens from around the nation are
in Washington, competing for $260,000 in prizes in the first annual
National Bible Bee.

Executive Director Mark Rasche says more than 17,000 youngsters between the ages of seven and 18 took part in local Bible Bees to earn a shot at today's top prizes.

But he says the greatest benefit will be the Scripture they've stored in their hearts and minds.

In Thursday's preliminaries, 300 contestants in three age groups were tested on both their Bible knowledge and memorization of Scripture. Sixty will take part in this morning's semifinals, and 21 -- three from each age group -- will compete in the finals this afternoon.

The winner in the top age bracket will be awarded $100,000.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)