Participation only works when we participate.
As silly as that may sound, the truth is: civic participation can feel intimidating and unattainable. It can feel as though it’s always for someone else, but never for us. This is why opportunities like the The National Civics Bee, which inspire young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities, are so valuable. It’s why the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce is proud to have partnered with The Civic Trust and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce in orchestrating this year’s statewide finals for the National Civics Bee.
On Wednesday, June 25th, ten Vermont middle school students took to the stage of the Barre Opera House for the National Civics Bee Vermont State Finals. In the end, Burke Town School 8th grader Marshall May took home the win: a $1,000 cash prize, and the chance to represent our state at the National Championship in Washington, D.C. this Fall.
Of the ten state finalists, Marshall was
one of seven to hail from the Northeast Kingdom. Other local finalists included Damien Strang of Burke Town School and Bentley Allard, Averill Scott, Aiden Clark, Emelia Brothers, and Taylor Peck of Miller’s Run School.
This is the first year Vermont has participated in the nation-wide competition, and we couldn’t be more grateful for all the brave and talented students from across the state who stepped up to make this possible.
As one student put it, 'I never thought of myself as someone who would do this.'
To that student I say: your willingness to rise up and participate is a reminder that there’s space for everyone— regardless of your age or where you come from—to lean in and make a difference.
This Fall, Marshall May will head to Washington D.C. to compete in the National Championship for a shot at scholarship prizes ranging from $15,000 to $100,000. Best of luck, Marshall!
Take a small step in your civic participation journey by supporting local journalism and reading more about this exciting competition via the Caledonia Record article linked below:
https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/local/nek-students-commanding-presence-at-vt-civics-bee-state-finals/article_651776e9-246d-5be3-8e7b-e59a59432824.html
