Photo courtesy of Dave Anderson at InSync Photography + Design
DENVER—April 17, Community members and families gathered at the University of Colorado Denver Business School to watch the Denver Metro Chamber’s local competition for the National Civics Bee, done in partnership with founding partner the Daniels Fund. The National Civics Bee, a program launched by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, aims to create a strong country, economy and workforce through greater civic knowledge and participation. The competition was open to middle schoolers throughout the Metro Denver region, and after submitting essay applications, 20 finalists were selected and 17 participated in the Denver Metro Chamber’s local contest. From the Denver contest, the top three students were awarded cash prizes, and were advanced to the state competition on May 17.
The competition was emceed by Meteorologist for Fox31 and Host of Great Day Colorado, Chris Tomer. Special guests included Associate Dean of Programs of the University of Colorado Denver Business School, Andrey Mikhailitchenko; and the CEO for the Daniels Fund, Hanna Skandera.
“Active citizens serve as the bedrock of a healthy democracy, and it is vital that we impart these principles to the next generation,” said Skandera. “The Daniels Fund is thrilled to partner with the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce on the Denver Civics Bee as a fun way for young people to become informed and engaged in our republic.”
After three rounds of civics-based questions, the top students were awarded first, second and third place, and cash prizes. These prize amounts are also matched as a donation to the winners’ schools. The prizes and winners are listed below:
- Penelope Baksa, Denver Green School Northfield – $2,500
- Ainslie Mohr, Denver School of the Arts – $1,000
- Anna Metzl, Kent Denver School – $500
Closing remarks were provided by the Denver Metro Chamber’s President and CEO, J. J. Ament.
“This competition serves as a catalyst for igniting interest in civics from a young age, cultivating the passionate, informed citizens our communities need.” said Ament. “We hope that each student leaves today’s event with a newfound enthusiasm for civics, carrying this drive into all their future endeavors.”
The top three students from each regional competition are advancing to the Colorado State National Civic Bee competition on May 17. Top students from state competitions across the country will compete at the national competition in Washington, D.C. on November 12.
This event was sponsored by its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce:
For 158 years, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce has been the leading voice for Colorado’s business community. With a membership that spans the state and employs some 400,000 Coloradans, the Chamber serves the small and large businesses who create Colorado’s economy. The Chamber family includes the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, the Denver Metro Chamber’s Leadership Foundation, B:CIVIC, the Colorado Competitive Council, and the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center. For more information, go to denverchamber.org.
About the Daniels Fund:
The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.