ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. – On April 13, the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce hosted a 2024 National Civics Bee® in St. Mary’s City, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Wyatt M., Jakob D. and Ann L. were named the top three finalists of St. Mary’s Chambert’s Civics Bee competition, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust™ of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
“Understanding civics empowers us to know that we can have an impact in our community and in our country in so many ways. This wonderful initiative challenged middle-school students to identify an issue in their community, and how they would resolve it using elements of civic principles. Students wrote about topics as diverse as sharing our roads with cars and buggies, homelessness, book banning, and pollution.” said Christine Bergmark, CEO/President, St. Mary’s Chamber. “The top essayists then advanced to the live event, where they (AND the audience!) answered 20 multiple choice questions. Excited and nervous, five finalists then presented their essays to a panel of esteemed judges followed by a brief Q&A.
We were honored to have Magistrate Kevin Hill, Marsha Williams, Williams, McClernan & Stack, Dr. Antonio Ugues, Center for Democracy, SMCM, Sam Wiest, Dugan, KcKissick & Longmore, and Sybol Anderson, Leadership Southern Maryland provide their time and talent as judges. Whitney Harmel, Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Mary Bounds, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Riley Sandal of SMCM assisted as well. Dr. Janice Walthour delivered a special keynote address encouraging attendees to get involved. Many thanks to all the students that participated and their supportive schools and families. Truly a great day for all!”
Wyatt McDonald from Leonardtown Middle School took first place, followed by Jakob DeBoer of Esperanza Middle School, and Ann Lawrence of Northern Middle School for second and third places, respectively. Each won a cash prize. All three can now move on to the Maryland National Civics BeeÒ. All participating students won a tablet.
St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce – “Where business and community meet”
Sponsors for the event included the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, the Center for Democracy, SMCM, and several community members.
The National Civics Trust, through the National Civics Bee®, aims to inspire a new generation of Americans to be civically engaged and active in shaping the future of our communities and our nation.
For more information on the National Civics Bee®, visit: National Civics Bee® – The Civic Trust® (uschamberfoundation.org)
Participating schools
- Esperanza Middle School
- Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy
- Leonardtown Middle School
- Margaret Brent Middle School
- Northern Middle School
- The King’s Christian Academy
- Windy Hill Middle School
All photos courtesy of Nicole Paneck.
