From the writings of America’s founders to landmark Supreme Court cases and constitutional amendments, twenty middle schoolers showcased their mastery of civics knowledge in the inaugural National Civics Bee® competition in the state of California at the Nixon Library this week.
This historic regional competition of the National Civics Bee was sponsored by a partnership between The Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Richard Nixon Foundation. Middle schoolers from public, private and home schools in Southern California were invited to enter the competition by submitting an essay describing a problem in their community that they would solve using civic principles.
Students with the top twenty essays were invited to compete in the two-round competition on March 12. In the first round, the twenty students competed live on stage in a twenty-question multiple-choice quiz. Audience participation was encouraged as viewers could join the quiz on their devices.
Students with the top ten scores advanced to the next round, where they presented a summary of the civics projects from their essays and then answered questions from a panel of judges. From planning to regulate e-bikes to improving wildfire management, these students showed how they want to be active, engaged citizens in their communities. The distinguished judges comprised Orange County civic leaders, including the Honorable Gaddi Vasquez, Ray Dunne, the Honorable Lisa Sparks, Jolynn Mahoney, and the Honorable Natalie Rubalcava.
The top three students were awarded cash prizes, and the top ten advanced to the next round—the California State Finals, which will be held on June 21st at the Reagan Library. There, they will compete for a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Championship and win the grand prize of $100,000.
This event is a key initiative of the Richard Nixon Foundation’s American Civics Campaign. Recognizing a one million dollar donation from Trish O’Donnell, the Foundation unveiled the Trish O’Donnell Cup, a trophy that will proudly display the name of every California state champion of the National Civics Bee.
The National Civics Bee, a program of The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is in its second year. The growing competition now has forty states participating. Representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation traveled from Washington, DC to attend and mark the occasion of the first event in California.
Check back for the video to be added soon.
Learn more about the American Civics Campaign.