EMMIE BOESE
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce hosted its first 2024 National Civics Bee at Stringer Fine Arts Center on Wednesday. Middle School students from Central Christian School, Hutchinson Middle School 7, Hutchinson Middle School 8 and Morgan Elementary competed.
Their were 15 students in the live quiz competition on April 17. Each student had to write a 500 word essay to be selected.
HMS-8 student Leah Foos placed first and was awarded $500. Her essay focused on substance abuse and youth prevention.
"It was a very close, honestly, top three," Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce Debra Teufel said. "They all were, you know, very passionate about their subjects that they chose. I think the thing that really stood out to us the most from Leah, who was the winner, is just, she was very poised on the stage. She was concise in her answers, but also well thought out about solutions to the problem."
There were two quiz rounds that consisted of questions about the Constitution and questions about United States history. The top five finalists moved on to the final round which consisted of a short presentation about their essay. Three different judges asked each student questions about key concepts in their essay. There were six finalists in Hutchinson due to a three way tie after the second quiz round.
Essay topics included raising funds for a local animal shelter, solving homelessness and how to engage more parental involvement in their lives.
Seventh grade student Koda McConnell from Central Christian School placed second and was awarded $250. His essay was about self defense against school violence.
HMS-7 student Aah'lice Jackson placed third and was awarded $125. Jackson's essay was about solving poverty in Hutchinson.
For the final round, the judges scored each finalist on clarity, civic principles and their overall presentation.
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