Chamber Hosts Second Annual Civics Bee Competition
Last Wednesday, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual National Civics Bee, a national competition that inspires young Americans to engage in civics, contribute to their communities, and enhance their civic literacy. Out of over 115 civic essay submissions, 3 incredible Staten Island middle schoolers took home cash prizes, trophies, and seats at the state competition in Albany!
The event was made possible by generous support of the Office of the Borough President and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The Rab Wilkinson Foundation served as the event’s Gold Sponsor, Staten Island Giving Circle served as Silver Sponsor, and the Staten Island Center for Independent Living served as Bronze Sponsor.
To participate in the National Civics Bee, all middle school students (grades 6-8) on Staten Island were invited to submit essays on a civic topic of their choice, including a challenge that the community faces and a potential solution to that challenge. Many of the essays that we received discussed issues of underage vaping, homelessness, littering and pollution, or lack of public transportation.
Victoria Figliolia, an 8th grader at Staten Island Academy, took first place at the Staten Island National Civics Bee, earning the top cash prize of $500. Vivian Chen, I.S. 2, came in second place and received $250, and Robert Kasegrande, Our Lady of Good Counsel School, came in third place and received $100. Victoria, Vivian, and Robert will all be moving on to the state competition in Albany at the end of May.
Of the 115 students who submitted essays, just 19 were selected to move on to the live competition on March 26th, held at the Michael J. Petrides School. Finalists got the chance to flex their civic knowledge during rounds I and II, which consisted of ten civics-based multiple-choice questions in each round. At the end of round II, the five students who answered the most questions correctly moved on to round III. During round III, students delivered a three-sentence summary of their essay, and judges had three minutes to ask students questions about their essays.
Emcee Anthony Reinhart, Project Coordinator at the NYC Board of Elections, guided students through rounds I, II, and III. Before beginning round I, Nick Thompson, Communications Specialist for the Office of the Borough President, stressed the importance of civic engagement and wished the students luck.
This year’s judges included: Kristine Garlisi, Chief Operating Officer of The Nicotra Group and Executive Director of The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation; Christopher Lee, Director of Government and Community Relations at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and Edwina F. Martin, Esq., Commissioner and Public Administrator for the Office of Richmond County.
