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Craig-area Middle School Students Compete in National Civics Bee® Competition

For media inquiries, please contact Cynthia Eveleth-Havens at [email protected]

CRAIG, Colorado – Middle school students from Craig-area schools competed in the second annual 2024 National Civics Bee® regional competition on April 3. The event was hosted by the Craig Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, the Daniels Fund and the Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Students competed with their peers in a live quiz event and answered questions from judges to test their civics knowledge. The top three finalists from the Craig competition will have the chance to participate in the state-level competition hosted by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Kinder Morgan in Denver on May 17, 2024. The Colorado state champion will advance to the National Civics Bee® competition in Washington, D.C. held on November 12, 2024, to compete for the national title, as well as over $50,000 in prizes.

“We’re proud to work with our local chamber partners for the second consecutive year to promote active participation in government and democracy among young Coloradans,” said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman. “We’re also thrilled that the program is expanding to the national level this year, providing a platform for students across the U.S. to engage in civic education. Congratulations to this year’s regional finalists and we look forward to hosting them in Denver to compete for the state title!”

“We are immensely proud of the Craig-area middle school students who participated in the 2024 National Civics Bee for in our second annual competition. Their dedication to civic education and engagement is inspiring. We commend these young minds for their commitment to understanding the workings of our nation,” said Craig Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Holloway. “Congratulations to our local winners, and we wish them the best as they advance to the state-level competition. We also extend our sincerest gratitude to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce for their invaluable partnership in bringing this enriching opportunity to our rural students. Together, we are empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to become active participants in our community, economy and country.”

“Active citizens serve as the bedrock of a healthy democracy, and it is vital that we impart these principles to the next generation,” said Daniels Fund President and CEO Hanna Skandera. “The Daniels Fund was thrilled to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to launch the National Civics Bee as a fun way for young people to become informed and engaged in our republic.”

Winners of the Craig-area National Civics Bee® include:

  • First place: Ryun P., Craig Middle School
  • Second place: Elliot S., Steamboat Springs Middle School
  • Third place: Gracie F., Homeschool

The first-place winner of the local competition received a $500 cash prize and all three finalists are invited to participate in the statewide competition. The top three winners of the state competition will receive cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place.

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The Colorado Chamber of Commerce champions free enterprise, a healthy business environment and economic prosperity for all Coloradans. It is the only business association that works to improve the business climate for all sizes of business from a statewide, multi-industry perspective. What the Colorado Chamber accomplishes is good for all businesses, and that’s good for the state’s economy. It was created in 1965 based on the merger with the Colorado Manufacturers’ Association.

The Craig Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to build a strong economic environment that contributes to business and community success. The Craig Chamber offers its members networking, training and education, promotion, advocacy, and other services.