Upper Arkansas Valley middle school students from public, private, charter, and home schools have until February 17, 2026, to submit short essays proposing a creative idea to improve their communities for the National Civics Bee.
According to the National Civics Trust website, sponsor of the Civics Bee, the deadline was extended due to the widespread impact of the recent winter storm.
Students from Leadville to Salida and parts in between are encouraged to participate in the Arkansas Valley Civics Bee by submitting a four-paragraph essay proposing their unique idea to improve their communities. Essays will be blind-judged by reviewers, and the top-scoring 20 essay finalists will be invited to the live quiz competition in Buena Vista on April 26.
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