Fourth Grader Competes On Hit NBC Show
Treasure seems like your typical Benjamin fourth grader. She loves her family, recess and traveling. But, according to actor Neil Patrick Harris, she is one of the brightest children in America.
Treasure was one of 36 young people who faced off on the exciting new game show “Genius Junior,” hosted by Harris. The one-hour competition series debuting in March on NBC features twelve teams of “the most incredible children in the country, ages 8 to 12, competing in a series of increasingly complex quizzes with the goal of being crowned Genius Junior,” according to the show’s website.
“The average adult relies on Google Maps to get them to their destination, their calculator for simple math problems and autocorrect for spelling errors. What if they had to memorize the entire U.S. highway system, do mind-bending math equations or spell incredibly complex words - backwards - all on their own? What if they had to do this against the clock? The talented ‘Genius Junior’ cast members will tackle these and other challenging scenario,” the site explains.
Treasure first heard of the opportunity from her mother who saw a Facebook post about the show and audition opportunities.
“There were four auditioning stages in Los Angeles. It took the whole summer. I studied nine things that were this thick,” Treasure says, motioning with her hands. She says her whole family, including her three siblings, traveled to LA for three weeks to support her dream. “It was really awesome.”
Treasure says she was the youngest on a team of three competing for the label of Genius Junior with host Neil Patrick Harris who was “really funny.” Treasure, who has attended Benjamin from the time she was three, says math is her favorite subject. When asked who her favorite teacher is, she says she likes them all and asks me not to make her choose.
Although this year’s summer plans don’t include competing on a national TV show, the nine year old is just as excited for the extended break.
“My mom said I could choose anywhere I wanted to go. I chose California because that’s where my extended family is. We’re going to my favorite amusement park - Six Flags. I like roller coasters,” she says.
When I tell Treasure I’m afraid of roller coasters she assures me that it’s “okay” in a way only someone wise beyond her years can.
Treasure's episode airs April 22 at 9:00 PM EST on NBC.
Treasure's episode airs April 22 at 9:00 PM EST on NBC.
Main Address & Lower/Middle School
11000 Ellison Wilson RoadNorth Palm Beach, FL 33408
Ph: 561.626.3747
A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.