The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Foundation proudly announces the winners of the local competition for the 2024 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more 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, this competition included students from across the valley inspiring middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.
Middle school students from public, private, charter, and home schools participated in the first-round civics essay competition. A distinguished panel reviewed their 500-word essays, and the top students were selected to move on to the next round of competition: a live quiz event to test their civics knowledge.
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosted this event, with generous support from presenting sponsor APS, on March 26th, 2024, at the Mesa Arts Center.
The finalists and top winners received various prizes, including $500 cash for the first-place student. The top 4 finalists will go on to compete in the Arizona State Bee on May 3rd, 2024.
The fourth-place finalist is Malaika Gustafson, an 8th grader from Greenfield Junior High.
The third-place finalist is Amelia Baker, an 8th grader from Heritage Academy Gateway.
The second-place finalist is Aiden Barraza, a 7th grader from Saint Francis Xavier School.
The first-place finalist is Lance Baumgart, a 7th grader from Cooley Middle School.
The emcee of the event was Mark Newman, of Newman Realty. Judges were Denise Lopez, President and CEO of HD South-Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum, Jän Simon, owner of Foundation Insurance Services, and Brigette Peterson, Mayor of the Town of Gilbert.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion as we encourage and celebrate the practice of democracy in our community.
Photo credit: Meghan Steward Photography
