Chamber Hosts First-Ever “Civics Bee®” in NYC
On March 12, 2024, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Office of Borough President Vito Fossella, hosted the National Civics Bee®, a first-of-its-kind civics competition in New York City.
The National Civics Bee® encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders flexed their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. To qualify for the competition, middle school students from across the borough submitted essays on important civic issues and proposed solutions.
The event, hosted at Susan E. Wagner High School’s Performing Arts Center, was sponsored by Gold Sponsors the South Beach Civic Associations and the Rab Wilkinson Foundation, as well as Bronze Sponsor INFORM. Technology for the event was provided by Technology Sponsor Tekie Geek, who also donated 20 Android tablets for the event. Community Media of Staten Island served as the event’s Media Sponsor.
Twenty students participated in the event, which posed more than two dozen civics-based questions. After two rounds of questions, participants were narrowed to a group of five finalists, who were then individually asked to elaborate on their essays. A panel of judges then ranked the top three students. The top three winners received cash prizes and will advance to the National Civics Bee® state competition on Thursday, May 30th at the Abany Capital Center.
1st Place Winner, Brooke Chiarelli, Intermediate School 24 Myra S. Barnes
2nd Place Winner, Jill Perazzo, Intermediate School 24 Myra S. Barnes
3rd Pace Winner, Darren Lin, Intermediate School 2 George L. Egbert
The event was emceed by Staten Island Zoo Chief of Staff and former Deputy Borough President Edward Burke. Jasmine Cardona (College of Staten Island), Taviere L. Hawkins, Ph.D. (Wagner College), Chris Lee (The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey), and the Honorable Edwina Frances Martin, Esq (Commissioner, Public Administrator of Richmond County) served as judges.
The Staten Island Chamber is participating in the National Civics Bee because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three,” said Linda Baran, President and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in New York and celebrating our civic pride.”
“Events like the National Civics Bee® ensure that we are investing in the future of this country,” said Borough President Vito Fossella, who introduced the event. “Whatever happens tonight, remember that you are all winners, because you tried. I know we are in good hands, and that you will continue to keep this country great.”
Students received certificates of recognition from Senator Jessica-Sarcella-Spanton, Senator Andrew Lanza, and Councilmember Member Kamillah Hanks.
