EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEVV) — Three local middle school students will advance to the state finals after winning the region’s first Civics Bee hosted by the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP).
The inaugural regional competition, held April 30 at the Shanklin Theatre on the University of Evansville campus, welcomed top middle school students from across Southwest Indiana to showcase their knowledge of government, democracy, and community leadership. Ayan R. of Castle North Middle School won first place. Arav A. of Evansville Day School took second place, and Alexandra O. of Plaza Park International Prep Academy finished in third place. All three finalists will compete in the Indiana State Finals of the National Civics Bee on June 23 in Indianapolis.
The competition was organized in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its civic engagement initiative, The Civic Trust, as part of a nationwide effort to encourage young Americans to engage in civics. Students from public, private, charter, and homeschool programs across Southwest Indiana submitted essays detailing how they would improve their communities using civic principles. Finalists then participated in a live competition consisting of quiz rounds and a Q&A session before a panel of community leaders…