Nine middle school students from the Yampa Valley showcased their civics knowledge Wednesday during the regional competition for the National Civics Bee.

The event was hosted by the Craig Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, the Daniels Fund and the Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Participants in this year’s competition included students from Craig Middle School, Steamboat Springs Middle School, Moffat County Christian Academy and homeschooled students.

Ahead of the civics bee, the students were tasked with submitting essays addressing pertinent issues faced by their communities.

---

---

The competition featured a live quiz format in which the students answered multiple choice questions testing their general civics knowledge. Additionally, they were tasked with engaging on their chosen essay topic with a panel of judges, which included Yampa Valley community members Kristara Miekle, Randy Looper and Michael Buccino.

Just prior to the competition getting underway, the students received a message of encouragement and gratitude from Colorado state Rep. Meghan Lukens.

---

---

“It is so crucial that we have young people engaged in our political environment,” she stressed in the prerecorded video. “It’s so important to our community, to our state, to our country and to the success of our democracy.”

Following the initial two quiz rounds, six finalists emerged to present their ideas for addressing community challenges.

Seventh-grader Gracie Fontenot wrote her essay about “the decline in civic engagement which puts us all in danger of losing the rights we have as Americans.” She proposed the grassroots establishment of an after-school civics club to boost civic engagement among Moffat County’s student population.

Sixth-grader Annie Woodworth discussed the importance of collaboration and compromise when recalling how she organized a meeting to push for expanded robotics offerings at Craig Middle School.

Elliot Sibson advocated for student choice in academic reading materials, emphasizing its positive impact on student motivation. She shared that, if necessary, she planned to create a curriculum for the project herself, which could be available to teachers and administrators at little to no cost.

Anthony Maul cited his swim team involvement when addressing the need for a recreational center, emphasizing how its construction could offer both physical and social benefits for the whole Yampa Valley.

Ryun Pressgrove proposed the revival of Craig’s discontinued recycling program through grant funding.

Ella Atwood discussed the importance of housing and education, stressing civic responsibility in ensuring “safe and affordable” housing for educators.

While the final standings were tabulated, a message was played from state Sen. Dylan Roberts, who commended the students for their commitment to civic involvement and encouraged them to continue their efforts.

“Keep it up because one day you might be here, serving us as one of our state legislators,” he said.

The competition culminated in an awards ceremony where Pressgrove secured first place, followed by Sibson in second and Fontenot in third. In addition to receiving cash prizes, the three winners will advance to the state finals in Denver in June with an opportunity to compete nationally in Washington later this year.

Expressing pride in the participants, Craig Chamber coordinator Lauren Hilley highlighted the students’ dedication to civic education and engagement and its impact within the community.

“We at the chamber believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong county, a strong economy and a strong workforce — and our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three,” Hilley said. “I hope after listening to these amazing students tonight you all are feeling a little bit prouder to be an American.”