For Immediate Release – March 27, 2024

Contact:
Brian Otten, Marketing Director
Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce
715-848-5947 | botten@wausauchamber.com

Middle School Students to Compete at Chamber’s First Civics Bee

WAUSAU — Local middle school students will have the opportunity to compete in the National Civics Bee for the first time at an event to be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2. The free program, which is open to the public, will be held at the UW Center for Civic Engagement on the campus of UWSP at Wausau.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, organizer of the National Civics Bee, named the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce as an official partner to host the competition last year. The Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce was also a participant and will send their students to participate in the Wausau event. The program is offered in partnership with Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.

The National Civics Bee is a competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. This opportunity was extended to students in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades this year, offering a unique platform for these students to demonstrate their civics knowledge. Students entered the competition by submitting an essay online.

The students participating include:

• Wyatt B., John Muir Middle School, Wausau
• Alayna B., Saint Joseph Catholic School, Stratford
• Megan C., Colfax Middle School, Colfax           
• Evie D., Ellsworth Middle School, Ellsworth
• Elissa K., Delong Middle School, Eau Claire
• Jensen L., Delong Middle School, Eau Claire
• Emerson M., Regis Catholic Schools, Eau Claire
• Rya M., Delong Middle School, Eau Claire
• Felicity P., Ellsworth Middle School, Ellsworth
• Corinne R., Trinity Lutheran, Wausau
• Abel Y., Regis Catholic Schools, Eau Claire
• Ila Y., DeLong Middle School, Eau Claire

“In these challenging times, fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is of utmost importance,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “The National Civics Bee provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future.”

Participants in the National Civics Bee will have the chance to gain recognition for their civics knowledge and skills, and compete for prestigious prizes, including a $500 top prize locally and a $1,000 cash prize for the state champion. The competition enables students to explore issues that matter to their communities, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship.

This year, the National Civics Bee has expanded to include students in 28 states. A three-year, $4.5 million grant from the Daniels Fund will allow the U.S. Chamber Foundation to scale the program to all 50 states by 2026.

For more information about the National Civics Bee please visit WausauChamber.com/NationalCivicsBee.

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The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce is the source for business information in the Wausau Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The organization has earned a 5-Star Accreditation, one of only two chambers in the state with that designation. The Chamber strengthens member businesses and enhances the region by building business success. For more information on the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce, visit us online at www.wausauchamber.com or call 715-845-6231.