HAGERSTOWN, MD – The Washington County Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the 2023 National Civics Bee, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized in partnership with the Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Washington County will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.
Middle school students from public, private, charter, and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. After a distinguished panel reviews the 500-word essays, the top 20 students will be selected to move on to the final round of competition: a live quiz event to test their civics knowledge. The Washington County Chamber of Commerce will host this event from 9 am – noon on Saturday, April 29, at Springfield Middle School in Williamsport, Md. The finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $500 cash for the first-place student, $250 cash for the second-place student, and $125 for the third-place student. The top 3 winners will then have a chance to compete at the State level on Saturday, June 10, from 10 am to 1 pm (location to be announced). First place prize at the State level is $1,000, second place is $750, and third place is $500.
“Our community and our country need the involvement of our youngest citizens in civics and in our democratic process. Given the current divisive rhetoric in the national politics arena, programs like the National Civics Bee is one way in which our future community leaders can work to bring America together across political divides,” said Paul Frey, President and CEO of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
The deadline for student essay submissions is February 24, 2023. For more information on the essay topic, competition rules and prizes, and to submit your essay, visit: https://my.reviewr.com/site/CivicsBee/MD/WashingtonCountyChamberofCommerce
