To encourage local middle school students to understand the importance of, and engage with, civics in their communities, the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, hosted the National Civics Bee on April 18 in State College.
“Civics education can uplift and empower our young people by giving them the knowledge and confidence to fully participate as future leaders in their communities,” said Greg Scott, president and CEO of CBICC. “This competition is an exciting and fun way for students to express their thoughts and share their ideas about how our government works and our rights and responsibilities as citizens.”
Earlier this year, middle school students across the district participated in the first round of the competition by submitting a 500-word civics essay. Each essay was reviewed by community leaders, who selected the top students to move on to the National Civics Bee.
During the event at Penn State’s Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, 21 students from across the county competed for the top three spots to advance to the state competition in Harrisburg. The judges — state Sen. Cris Dush, state Rep. Paul Takac and Ferguson Township Manager Centrice Martin — selected Laurie Thompson, Gautam Mannem and Camilla Thorsen as the first, second and third place winners, respectively.
The National Civics Bee gives students an opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas and voices about our community. It is also a way to increase their knowledge of civics.
“At the end of the day there is more that unites us than divides us,” Takac shared while addressing the finalists. “And civics is a way we can do that.”
