2024 Washington State Civics Bee Competition RECAP

Back in March 2024, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber hosted a handful of Pierce County middle school students in the National Civics Bee Local Bee competition. The three finalists from this Local Bee were then invited to compete in the Washington State Civics Bee, in which participating Chamber’s from across the state would bring their Local Bee finalists to compete as well. The Association of Washington Businesses (AWB) administers the Washington State Civics Bee.
 
Thirteen of the state’s most civic-minded middle schoolers came to Olympia, WA, on June 29th, ready to put their knowledge to the test. Three of those students came from Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Local Bee: Troy Smith, Eatonville Middle School; Benjamin Wu, Curtis Junior High School; and Brayden Fieber, Harbor Ridge Middle School.
 
The Minnaert Center for Performing Arts was the perfect venue for the Washington State Finals. The theater was full of supporters, all sending good wishes to their respective students. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck served as emcee for the two rounds of competition, followed by announcing the five names who would be moving onto the third round.
 
We are very proud of each student for their hard work in the two rounds. We were excited to see Benjamin Wu placed in the top five for round three go on to win second place in the Washington State Civics Bee. Third place went to Athena Strickler of Garrison Middle School (Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce). First place went to Ilyannie Gonzalez from Washington Virtual Academy (South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce). Gonzalez will move onto the National Civics Bee in Washington D.C., this November.
 
Students and attendees of the Washington State Finals were invited to stick around after the competition to take a private tour of the Capitol. On the tour, attendees visited Lieutenant Governor Heck’s office and the observation deck, while learning more about each room. An exclusive peek to the private reception room was provided, which is usually not part of standard tours. The tour guide made an exception, and guests were able to sit on the luxurious couches and learn what types of events took place in the ballroom.
 
After wandering the halls observing the chandeliers, marble walls, and stonework, the tour ended at the gallery of construction photos. These photos showed the Legislative Building being erected back in the 1920’s from start to finish. It was fascinating to see just how quickly the building went from the ground up.
 
Overall, it was a wonderful day to celebrate the hardworking students who have dedicated many months, both while in school and on summer break, to honing their engagement in civics topics.

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Do you think you have what it takes to compete in a civics competition? Test your civics knowledge here.