The Mississippi Economic Council and Propel Education Forum of Mississippi, Inc. recently hosted the Local Competition of the 2024 National Civics Bee for middle schoolers in Jackson, Mississippi.
Jackson, Mississippi – On Friday, August 9, 2024, the Mississippi Economic Council and Propel Education Forum of Mississippi, Inc. hosted a local competition of the 2024 National Civics Bee in Jackson, Mississippi, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Lucy Laney, Cash Moore, and Will Young were named the top three finalists of Mississippi’s Civics Bee competition, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
“Focusing on Civics is extremely important. The Mississippi State Civics Bee will help students learn about the structure of government and be better citizens” said Scott Waller, President, and CEO of Mississippi Economic Council.
“In recent years, Americans’ civics knowledge has fallen significantly. Today, 53% of adults cannot name all three branches of government. At the same time, 79% of 8th graders score below proficient in civics,” said Hilary Crow, Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “Through the National Civics Bee, we aim to reverse this trend, and inspire a new generation of Americans to be civically engaged and active in shaping the future of our communities and our nation.”
Nine students took part in the local competition after their essays were chosen. Students participated in a live quiz event and answered questions from judges to test their civic knowledge. Lucy Laney from Lee Academy, Clarksdale, Mississippi took first place, followed by Cash Moore, First Runner-Up, and Will Young, Second Runner-Up, for second and third places, respectively. The Emcee for the event was Mary Margaret Hyer Moore, J.D. The judges from this year’s competition were:
- Stephen Moore, Real Estate/Public Policy
- Sandra Dabit Strain, Madison, MS Alderwoman, and Interview Coach
- Gerry Anderson, Social Studies/History MPB Specialist
- Sarah Mann, J. D., Legal Counsel, MS Attorney General’s Office
- Jace Ferraez, J. D., Legal Counsel, Columbus, MS
WINNER MOTHER QUOTE
“The Civics Bee was extremely impressive, and we were honored to participate in it,” explained Katie Laney, mother of Lucy Laney.
QUOTES FROM THE JUDGES:
“Lucy was a really great presenter. Well organized thoughts. Her issue impacts all Mississippians statewide. She was thoughtful in her responses to questions and stayed on topic of her platform,” commented Stephen Moore.
“I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to doing whatever I can to help. I think Lucy showed great poise under fire when she was asked a question that she admitted she wasn't knowledgeable about and she still formulated a coherent response. Her ability to think on her feet was what set her apart from everyone else,” said Gerry Anderson.
The first-place winner receives a $1,000 cash prize and will advance to the national competition. Cash Moore, First Runner-Up, receives $500 and Will Young, Second Runner-Up, receives $250. The Mississippi Economic Council and Propel Education Forum of Mississippi hosted the event on August 9, 2024, at Mississippi Public Broadcasting.
For more information on the National Civics Bee, visit National Civics Bee® The Civic Trust® (uschamberfoundation.org).