Schools and Education
Judging Involved Writing a 750-Word Essay About Using Civics to Solve a Community Problem and a Live Quiz Testing Civics Knowledge
Park County Dugout - May 11, 2025
TheParkCountyDugout.substack.com
By: Jeff Schlapp
On Saturday, six civic-minded middle schoolers from Park County participated in the Second Annual National Civics Bee Montana State Finals at the Capital High School Auditorium in Helena.
Carter Jacobik, Tyler Schad, Daisy Doolittle, Gage Reagor, Ainsley Jergenson from Pine Creek School, and Aria Tercek from Gardiner School were among the 20 finalists selected by judges to participate in the live civics quiz on Saturday from those who had entered the contest in January by submitting a 750 (max) word essay, answering the question: What ideas would they suggest improving their community?
The contest was open to any 6th, 7th, or 8th-grade student with an idea about using civics to solve a problem in your community.
The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation organized the National Civics Bee, an annual nonpartisan civics competition for middle schoolers. It increases civics knowledge, skills, and disposition among young Americans, their families, and communities.
The event on Saturday was both fun and serious. Audience members could test their civic knowledge and play with the contestants on their smartphones.
Cheryl Jones (League of Women Voters), Steve Armstrong, and Montana Supreme Court Judge Jim Shea judged Saturday's civics event. Jeff Mangan of The Priority Group emceed the event.
If you are curious about the questions asked, visit https:// civics.uschamberfoundation.org/ and take a 15-question practice exam on your civics knowledge.
The essay questions the applicants were required to answer were:
- Identify a specific problem, challenge, or opportunity in your community. What can you do to contribute to its improvement?
- What individuals or organizations would you work with to accomplish your solution? Examples include elected officials, business leaders, or nonprofits.
- How does your solution include Founding Principles and Civic Virtues?
Daisy Doolittle won first place, which included $1,000 and an all-expense trip to Washington, D.C., where the National Civics Bee will be held in the fall.
Gage Reagor won $500 in second place, and Ainsley Jergenson took home $250 in third place.
The Dugout offers a big High-five to the six Park County kids who proved they are Civic Savants and asks you to join us in wishing Daisy good luck in the finals!
Carren Jacobik and Shawn Mathes Darr contributed to this story.
For more photos and great articles, check out TheParkCountyDugout.substack.com.