The Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce will host the National Civics Bee competition. Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition will inspire middle school age youth in the East Valley to become better informed about local, state and federal governments.
“We are very happy our chamber was chosen to host this event. It’s crucial that our students have a solid understanding of government and be able to discuss ideas and concepts in meaningful ways,” said Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce.
Middle school students across the Valley in sixth, seventh and eighth grades from public, private, charter and home schools are invited to participate in the first round of the contest, a short 500-word essay competition. Students have until Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 to submit a 500-word essay using the following topic:
- What is the problem, and how do different members in your community or neighborhood view it?
- What civic principles or systems could help to address the problem?
- What is your idea of recommendation for solving the problem?
- What primary sources, such as the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution, provide supporting evidence or examples for your idea or recommendation?
- How might members of your community or neighborhood bring your idea or recommendation to life?
A panel of judges will review the essay submissions, students will be evaluated on how well they demonstrate an understanding of civics, acknowledge and address opposing points of view, use primary sources and clearly describe an idea that is innovative or new to them. The top 20 students will be selected to move on to the in-person event, which is a live quiz to test their civics knowledge on Friday, Feb. 23 at the Combs Performing Arts Center, located in San Tan Valley at 2505 E. Germann Road. The finalists and top winner will receive various prizes, including $500 cash for the first-place student, $250 for the second and $125 for third place.
For more information on the essay topics, competition rules and prizes, and to submit your essay, visit qcstudentchamber.com/national-civics-bee.
Businesses interested in sponsoring the event, can email Kim Dowers at kim@queencreekchamber.com.
