Brookings students taking part in state civics bee championship

SIOUX FALLS — South Dakota’s top middle school civic leaders will gather June 11 for the South Dakota State Civics Bee competition at Hamre Recital Hall on the Augustana University campus.

The competition begins at 10 a.m. and will feature 11 finalists — including three from Brookings — representing four regions across South Dakota.

The winner of the South Dakota State Civics Bee will advance to the National Civics Bee competition in Washington, D.C., this fall.

The South Dakota State Civics Bee is designed to inspire middle school students to engage in civics, contribute to their communities, and better understand American democracy.

State finalists

Brookings

· Rachel E.

· Jay K.

· Moustafa S.

Elevate (Rapid City)

· Kaylin M.

· Imogen G.

Dakota Valley

· Ruth A.

· Grace R.

· Maddie P.

Sioux Falls

· Elliott F.

· Samuel D.

· Chloe D.

Judges

· John Archer

· Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen

· State Historian Dr. Ben Jones

· Joe Kippley

· Eric Jepsen, chair of the department of political science at the University of South Dakota

Featured speakers and emcee

· Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, featured speaker

· Sen. Casey Crabtree, featured speaker

· Tyler Tordsen, CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, emcee

Awards

· First place — $1,000

· Second place — $500

· Third place — $250

Sponsors

The title sponsor of the South Dakota State Civics Bee is USD and the Chiesman Center for Democracy.

· First Premier Bank/First Premier Bankcard

· Bluestem Financial

· Dan and Darlene Kirby

“The University of South Dakota and the Chiesman Center for Democracy are proud to sponsor the National Civics Bee, as it reflects our shared commitment to strengthening civic knowledge, engagement, and leadership among young people across the state,” representatives from USD and the Chiesman Center for Democracy said.

“The Civics Bee competitions will give you a real dose of hope for humanity,” one parent said. “Watching these kids show such a strong understanding of what makes a positive and productive society and seeing them showcase their grasp of founding principles while sharing ideas for how to make their communities better gives me real confidence that the future of our democracy and our communities is in good hands.”

The event is open to the public.