IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Lainey Moore, of William Thomas Middle School in American Falls, won the battle of the minds at the first-ever National Civics Bee competition held in Idaho.
“It feels good,” Moore said. “I’m happy that I’m able to represent Idaho and just be able to do this for my state.”
Twenty talented students took the stage Friday at the National Civics Bee Friday at Melaleuca’s headquarters in Idaho Falls.
The finalists hail from sixth- through eighth-grade classrooms across Idaho and prepared vigorously for the competition.
“It takes determination, and you have to be brave and have grit,” said Idaho Falls competitor Carolyn Xia.
Each of the finalists previously submitted an essay selecting a problem or concern in the community and developing a solution.
“I wrote my essay about parent and guardian awareness of young children’s mental health,” Moore said. “At my school, there is a group called ‘Sources of Strength’ that helps with teen mental health. … I thought that it was odd that they didn’t have anything like that for younger kids.”
Students advanced through two rounds of 10 difficult questions on government and the U.S. Constitution – with difficult questions ranging from Constitutional amendments to immigration law.
“There’s questions on a computer, and we click which one is right,” Xia said. “Then the third round is the final round, where … the judges will ask us questions and answers.”
All Idaho middle school students participating in public education, private school or homeschooling were eligible to participate in the competition.
Moore earned a $1,000 award, $5,000 for her middle school, a trip to Washington, D.C., and the chance to compete for a $100,000 education savings plan.
Sponsored by the U.S. Chamber Foundation, Melaleuca, and the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber, the event encourages students to study the mechanisms of government, learning how they can contribute to their hometowns and nation.
