Contestants at the Lima round of the National Civics Bee receive their question.
LIMA — Seventeen students from the Lima area participated in the local round of the National Civics Bee on Wednesday night at Ohio State University-Lima, but only one winner could move on to the state round.
Brianna Alford from Liberty Arts Magnet took home the trophy and $500 grand prize at the competition that tests middle school students’ knowledge of the rights of citizens.
“I think it’s incredible,” Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce President Jed Metzger said. “We take civics for granted, and these kids have studied very hard. Their teachers have worked with them to help them understand government and that they have a position in this life. I think it’s a wonderful exercise that the kids have learned a lot from.”
Metzger said that it didn’t matter who won because it showed that there were future leaders in the region.
Alford received her prize and will take a chance to go to the final round in Washington D.C. with her efforts.
“We feel responsible to do it,” Metzger said. “We have a very active legislative committee, so we’re always looking at legislation and understanding what we’re focused on, but we also have to look at the best decisions for everybody. When the U.S. Chamber came out with this, they felt there was a need for kids to learn more civics, and so this was a part of helping educate and spread that knowledge to other people to take more of an interest, whether it serves politics, government or some other legislative arm.”
Metzger said he hoped all participants understood their rights and power as citizens.
“They have a voice and sometimes they might disagree with others, but their opinion does matter,” he said. “That’s what we’re trying to encourage kids to do if they’re taking a leadership position or just in conversation. It might be in college or it might be in high school.”
And for any students interested in trying for the event next year, Metzger said it is as easy as saying yes.
“The money is an incentive, but the real incentive is to learn history,” he said. “Learn government and the constitution so as this country grows you can be a part of the process in the future. If you apply yourself, you’ll understand why people maybe can’t take a position or vote.”
The national round of the civics bee featuring the state champions will be Nov. 12.
For more information on the National Civics Bee, visit the competition’s website.
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
