Chamber launches National Civics Bee

The Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the 2022 National Civics Bee, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. One of six pilot programs organized by The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Thermopolis will engage middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the public square and to build greater trust in others and institutions. 

Middle school students from public, private, charter, and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. After a distinguished panel reviews the 500-word essays, the top 10 students will be selected to move on to the final round of competition: a live quiz event to test their civics knowledge. The Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce will host this event on April 9, 2022, at the Thermopolis Middle School. The finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $1,000 cash for the first-place student.

“The Civics Bee is a fun competition for students, but it is also exciting for all of us in Thermopolis,” said Meri Ann Rush, Chief Executive Officer of the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce which is organizing the event.

She added, “It’s a real-life example of how people and institutions from all over the community can enrich civic life. We hope the Civics Bee inspires all of us to think about what we can do for our communities and step up to be more active in shaping the future of our neighborhoods and our nation.”

The deadline for student essay submissions is March 18, 2022. For more information on the essay topic, competition rules and prizes, and to submit your essay, visit: http://www.thermopolischamber.org.