Three southwestern IN students advance in National Civics Bee
Three students from southwestern Indiana—Ayan R. from Castle North Middle School, Arav A. from Evansville Day School, and Alexandra O. from Plaza Park International Prep Academy—advanced to the Indiana State Finals of the National Civics Bee after competing in a regional event hosted by the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership on April 30. The competition, part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s civic engagement initiative, tested middle school students’ knowledge of government and democracy through essays and live quiz rounds, with the state champion earning a school donation and a spot at the national finals in Washington.
The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) hosted southwestern Indiana’s first Civics Bee on April 30 at the Shanklin Theatre on the University of Evansville campus. The event, organized in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s The Civic Trust, invited top middle school students from public, private, charter, and homeschool programs to compete in a civic knowledge challenge. Students submitted essays on community improvement using civic principles before advancing to a live quiz and Q&A session judged by local leaders. Three students earned top honors: Ayan R. from Castle North Middle School placed first, Arav A. from Evansville Day School took second, and Alexandra O. from Plaza Park International Prep Academy secured third. The winners will compete in the Indiana State Finals of the National Civics Bee on June 23 in Indianapolis, where the state champion will receive a school donation and advance to the national finals in Washington. The inaugural regional competition aimed to inspire civic engagement among young Americans, emphasizing leadership and critical thinking. E-REP’s Chief Workforce and Education Officer, Kara Yates, highlighted the students’ potential, stating that events like the Civics Bee demonstrate their capability to shape the region’s future through active participation in democracy. The program underscored the importance of civics education in fostering understanding of laws, policies, and community leadership roles.
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