A seventh-grader from Albert Lea was named one of 100 semifinalists in the 2013 Minnesota National Geographic Bee, which means he probably won’t need a map to find out how to get to the next step in the competition.

Jens Lange, 13, will compete April 5 at St. Cloud State University. Students in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and U.S. territories were able to take written tests, and the top 100 scorers compete at the state level. Jens chose to take the written test, which was administered at Southwest Middle School by teacher Wendy Greenfield.

His parents are Todd and Christma Lange. Todd is an English teacher at Albert Lea High School. He said Jens has been interested in geography since the first grade.

“He got a gift around that time of an electronic globe from a family friend and used that a lot,” Todd said.

And he’s been studying more since he was named one of 100 students who will compete at the state level. Todd said Jens has been reading geography books and studying maps.

“His grandparents had already given him a subscription to National Geographic,” Todd said.

The winner of the April 5 state event will go on to represent Minnesota in the national finals starting May 20. The first-place national winner gets a $25,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership to the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Channel will air the 2013 National Geographic Bee on May 23, to be followed by public TV stations.