East Valley student finalists compete at National Civics Bee

The final round of the second annual National Civics Bee for East Valley students is set.

The top student finalists will compete from 9 to 11 a.m., Friday, March 28 at the Combs Performing Arts Center, 2505 E. Germann Road in San Tan Valley.

The National Civics Bee is hosted by the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

“The competition in Queen Creek is aimed at 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,” a press release stated.

Students in sixth through eighth grade from public, private, charter and home schools in The East Valley were invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition.

After a panel of judges reviewed the essays, the contestants were whittled down to the top 20 students for the in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a question-and-answer round to test their civics knowledge.

The first-prize winner will receive $500, second place gets $250 and third place gets $125.

Doors on the day of the competition open at 8:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at https://zurl.co/yFbDW.