Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts first Lebanon County Civics Bee

The Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring the first annul National Civics Bee to Lebanon.

The initiative, which is expanding to all 50 states to mark America’s 250th anniversary, invites middle school students to showcase their civics knowledge, engage in their communities, and build trust in others and institutions through a nonpartisan, multi-round competition.

The Civics Bee was held on Tuesday, April 7, in the Lebanon High School auditorium. The event was moderated by Jasime Bucher from Lebanon Valley College and sponsored by LebTown and Lebanon Federal Credit Union.

After submitting their civic essays, 17 local middle school students competed in two rounds of multiple-choice questions. The top five from the multiple-choice rounds moved on to the third round, which was an oral Q&A focusing on their individual essays.

The third round was judged by Lebanon County Commissioner Michael Kuhn, Lebanon School District director of teaching and learning Toni Martindell, and LebTown reporter Chris Coyle.

First place, with a prize award of $500, went to Blake S. from Annville-Cleona School District. The second place winner, with a prize of $250, was Delany G. from Palmyra Area School District. Third place, with a prize award of $125, went to Owen D. from Annville-Cleona.

Each of our top three winners also was gifted a PA 529 college plan from the Pennsylvania Treasury with $500 in the account.

Local winners will now move onto the state competition with the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.