News Wisconsin Politics Cool Kids
DeLong Student Wins First-Ever Wisconsin Civics Bee
Rya Mousavi of Eau Claire will represent Wisconsin at Washington, D.C., championship this fall
V1 Staff |
The WMC Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation officially crowned the winner of the inaugural Wisconsin Civics Bee, the first of its kind in the state, on Flag Day, June 14: 13-year-old Rya Mousavi of DeLong Middle School in Eau Claire.
Competing against seven other finalists from around the state, Rya came out on top and will represent Wisconsin in the first-ever National Civics Bee national championship in Washington, D.C., this fall. The Civics Bee required students to write an essay on an issue in their community they think could be solved with the help of civics, and answer a variety of civics trivia questions live. Rya wrote her essay on changes she believes should be made in the education system.
Earning $1,000 in cash by placing first, Rya will have the chance to earn prizes worth more than $50,000 at the National Civics Bee. The second and third placers are also from the Chippewa Valley: Megan Christensen from Colfax Middle School took second, and Elissa Karls also from Delong Middle School taking third, also earning cash prizes.
Earlier in the year, students in grades 6-8 were invited to compete in regional bees hosted by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, the Racine Area Manufacturers & Commerce, and the Wausau Chamber of Commerce. Winners of the regional bees participated in the state finals.
“Congratulations to Rya and all of the other finalists for making Wisconsin history,” said WMC President and CEO Kurt R. Bauer in a recent media release. “America’s future depends on civic leaders. By engaging students and familiarizing them with how our government is set up to function, we’re ensuring that future generations are equipped to lead their communities, the state of Wisconsin, and our great country.”
Read more about the Civics Bee online.
