By Janet Cruz

Three Lake Havasu City middle schoolers are gearing up for the State Civics Bee Competition after winning at the first local Civics Bee in Lake Havasu City hosted by the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce March 27.

Hannah Vu from Thunderbolt Middle School took first place, followed by Neila Cox was second, and Corbin Lowery was third. They will head to the National Civics Bee Arizona State Finals in May, in Glendale.

Particpants were responsible for writing essays and answering questions on how they would solve a local issue. Some topics were on E-bike Awareness and Education, Gender Discrimination and Violence, and Cleaning Up the Environment.

The Civics Bee was the first held and hosted by the Lake Havasu Area Chamber. Judges included Lake Havasu City Councilman, David Diaz; Mohave County Superintendent of Public Schools, John Warren and Concord General Contracting CEO Grenee Martacho. Councilman Moses Cameron served as emcee at the competition.

“We are excited to see their creative thinking, their willingness to problem solve, and their excitement to be a part of the solution,” said Andrea Helart, President and CEO Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce. ”

“This is why we are so excited to bring this event and support civic education in our community. Helping students see the value in their own potential and responsibility as leaders in our community is an invaluable lesson. These students will be the future leaders who are showing us the way in a few years,” Helart said in a press release.

The AZ Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host the National Civics Bee AZ State Finals on May 2, at Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale.

Whoever places at the state competition level, will receive various prizes, and the first-place winner of the State Finals will later advance to the National Championship in Washington, DC, in the fall.

Prizes at the National Championship include a grand prize of a $100,000 for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $15,000 for third place.

Congrats and Good luck to the finalists at State competition in May!

Winners, Hannah Vu from Thunderbolt Middle School (center) took first place, followed by Neila Cox (left) and Corbin Lowery, for second and Lowery at Third place  (right) . Photo courtesy Andrea Helart