Southeast Kentucky Chamber Hosts East Kentucky Regional Competition of the National Civics Bee

Pikeville, KY (April 27, 2023) - The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted the first-ever East Kentucky Regional Competition of the National Civics Bee on April 27, 2023, at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg. The National Civics Bee is an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Civic Trust, to encourage excellence in civics knowledge.
 
Middle school students across 24 eastern Kentucky counties had the opportunity to participate in the East Kentucky Regional Competition of the National Civics Bee by submitting essays to the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce between January 13 and February 24, 2023. The essays addressed a problem that could be solved using civics. Each of the six regional civics bee competitions hosted the top 20 essay finalists to participate in a live quiz competition consisting of two rounds of multiple-choice questions about civics. A third and final round saw the top five students present a summary of their essay and then answer questions from a live panel of judges.
 
“We are excited to have been selected to host the regional competition of the National Civics Bee, and to be able to provide this opportunity to students in our region,” said Jordan Gibson, president and CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber. “The Civics Bee is an excellent way to teach and promote civics literacy among our youth, and we believe this competition will inspire them to become active and informed citizens as they grow.”
 
Nearly 150 essays were submitted from across the region. The 20 finalists represented nine schools in seven counties and comprised all three eligible grades of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. The top-three winners of the regional competitions won cash prizes totaling $875 and have qualified to advance to the Kentucky State Civics Bee to be held in August at the Kentucky State Fair. The top-three finalists from each of the six regional competitions will compete at the Kentucky Civics Bee for the chance to win an increased cash prize and to represent their region at the National Civics Bee Finals later in the year.
 
“As a chamber of commerce, we recognize the importance of educating our youth. That’s why education is one of our four pillars of focus. Civics education and participation are vital to the future success of our communities, and it’s up to us to teach them how to be leaders in the communities they call home” said Gibson.
 
During the event, 1^st place went to eighth grader Jiwoo Kim from Model Laboratory Middle School, 2^nd place went to sixth grader Javan Dotson from Pikeville Elementary School, and 3^rd place went to sixth grader Landon Thacker from Jenkins Middle High School. All 20 students went home with a finalist certificate and medal, and a 7” tablet sponsored by Appalachian Wireless. Food City provided food and Citizens Bank of Kentucky provided water for lunch. In addition, each student received a gas card from Double Kwik to ensure that transportation to and from the event would not be an obstacle to competing. The three winners received an additional card to help provide transportation to the state competition.
 
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is located at 178 College Street in Pikeville and serves more than 500 businesses in eight Eastern Kentucky Counties: Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike. The Chamber’s mission is to serve the businesses of Southeastern Kentucky through a commitment to networking, advocacy, education, and collaboration as we partner together to enhance the business climate in our region.