Bright young minds from across the region showcased their civic knowledge Wednesday night during Schuylkill County’s first National Civics Bee® competition, held at Penn State Schuylkill.
Sponsored by Hidden River Credit Union, the event welcomed community members, educators, families, and supporters for an inspiring evening celebrating civic knowledge and student leadership.
Eighteen middle school finalists, selected from dozens of essay submissions across Schuylkill County and nearby regions, competed in a three-round event that tested their understanding of civics, public service, and community engagement. The competition began with multiple-choice questions, building to a final round where each student presented and defended their original civic improvement essays before a panel of local judges.
At the end of the evening, three students emerged victorious:
- First Place: Aaron K., Tamaqua Area School District — $1,000 prize
- Second Place: Mihir P., Saint Ignatius Loyola Regional School, West Lawn, PA — $500 prize
- Third Place: Mary A., North Schuylkill School District — $250 prize
All three students received trophies presented by the Rotary Club of Pottsville and earned the prestigious opportunity to represent Schuylkill County at the Pennsylvania State Civics Bee Competition in June.
"This event not only celebrates academic achievement—it strengthens the civic fabric of our community by encouraging our youth to become active, informed citizens,” said a representative of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. “We’re thrilled to host such an important and inspiring competition."
Judges and attendees alike praised the students for their confidence, thoughtfulness, and genuine passion for public service. Topics presented by the students ranged from improving mental health resources in schools to tackling local environmental issues and fostering inclusive community programs.
“These young leaders impressed our entire community with their knowledge, courage, and passion for making a difference,” the Chamber added. “Now, they’re moving on to the State Competition, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
The National Civics Bee®, a project of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, aims to foster greater civic literacy and engagement among America’s youth. The Schuylkill County event marked a proud milestone for local efforts in education and community-building.