Southeast Kentucky Chamber selected to host 2023 National Civics Bee
PIKEVILLE, KY (Dec. 19, 2022)
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has been selected by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation as one of six local chambers in Kentucky to host the National Civics Bee, a middle school civics competition in spring 2023.
The National Civics Bee is an annual initiative aimed at encouraging young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition, open to middle school students in Eastern Kentucky, will inspire them to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.
The Eastern Kentucky Region includes Bath, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Floyd, Greenup, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Pike, Powell, Rowan, and Wolfe counties.
“The Chamber has long been an avid supporter of education and fostering leaders within our communities,” said Jordan Gibson, president and CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber. “The National Civics Bee is a perfect opportunity to develop the next generation of young leaders by educating them on the importance of civics and community engagement.”
Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students from across the Eastern Kentucky region are encouraged to participate in the Phase One of competition by submitting an essay of civics. The deadline for essay submissions is February 24. The online portal to submit essays will open January 13.
A panel of judges will select 20 finalists to participate in the next round. Phase Two is a quiz event testing civics knowledge in front of a panel of judges and live audience at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg. Judges will select three winners to participate in the third and final round. In Phase Three, the top three students from each of Kentucky's six regional competitions will advance to the state final.
For more information National Civics Bee and how your middle schooler can participate, visit the Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s website at www.sekchamber.com/nationalcivicsbee. For questions, contact the Chamber at info@sekchamber.com or call 606.432.5504.
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.
