LIMA, OH (WLIO) - At the Ohio State Lima campus, young students put their knowledge of history and government to the test in the National Civics Bee.
The annual competition encourages young Americans to engage in civics while finding creative and innovative ways to contribute to their communities. In this round, local middle schoolers took part in a live quiz event designed to challenge the civic smarts of each participant, with the top three students advancing to the state competition round.
"Today's environment, understanding legislative issues that might affect them, their parents's businesses, or just the community at large. So, they need to be on top of these things so they can voice their concerns and ideas, but more importantly, is to have a base of this country and where we come from, who made all these decisions, so they can be leaders in the future in our community," added Jed Metzger, President and CEO of the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce.
"I didn't know what civics was. Since I was in 5th grade, I always wanted to run for public office. Knowing what civics is, knowing what you're doing, and knowing about your government, I thought, was very important. It was a bit overwhelming, but all I needed was to get prepared and think about what I was going to say. Studying every day since we were told to round two and just get prepared, jot down notes, and study," said Chase Maag, a National Civic Bee participant.
1st Place: Briana Alford (Liberty Arts Magnet)
2nd Place: Genevieve Chongson (Liberty Arts Magnet)
3rd Place: Hailey Hinkle (Heir Force Community School)
Each student will advance on to the state competition round.
