News Release

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Due to feedback from chambers and educators impacted by weather-related school closures, the National Civics Bee has decided to extend the essay submission deadline to 11:59 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19.

Middle school students from across our district are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition.

Six local Indiana chambers, including the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, have been selected to receive grants from the U.S. Chamber Foundation for the National Civics Bee.

A cross-section of community leaders (including government officials, business leaders and educators) will review each of the 500-word essay submissions. The top 20 students will be selected to move on to the final round of competition: a live quiz event to test their civics knowledge.

The finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $500 cash for the first-place student. The top three winners will then have a chance to compete at the state level.

The Bee gives students an opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas and voices about our community. It is also a way to increase their knowledge of civics.

The Essay Topic

An essay topic would be identifying a problem facing the community. How might a citizen solve the problem? The 500-word essay should include:

• What is the problem, how do different members of the community or neighborhood view it?
• What civic principles or systems could help address the problem?
• What is an idea or recommendation for solving the problem?
• What primary sources, such as the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution, provide supporting evidence or examples for the idea or recommendation?
• How might members of the community or neighborhood bring the idea or recommendation to life?

Essays will be evaluated based on how well the student:

• Demonstrates an understanding of civics
• Acknowledge and address opposing points of view
• Use primary sources
• Clearly describe an idea innovative or new to you.

The deadline for student essay submissions is Jan. 22. For more information on the essay topic, competition rules and prizes, and for students to submit essays, visit: Microsite National Civics Bee®: Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce (reviewr.com)

Local contests to select winners will take place Feb. 20-April 30.