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Inaugural National Civics Bee Inspires Middle Schoolers in Northern NJ

Update Empowering Future Leaders: The Inaugural National Civics Bee The Renaissance Newark Foundation (RNF) recently made a remarkable impact in local education by hosting New Jersey's inaugural regional competition for the National Civics Bee. Held on April 18 at Essex County College, this initiative invited middle school students to not only test their civic knowledge but also propose innovative solutions for community challenges. By engaging in a multi-stage competition comprising written essays, a civics knowledge quiz, and live proposal defenses, students demonstrated their critical thinking skills and commitment to civic engagement. A Commitment to Community Ferlanda Fox Nixon, the president and CEO of the Newark Regional Business Partnership, emphasized the importance of civic engagement for a vibrant community. “At RNF, we know that civic engagement is foundational to a thriving community,” Nixon stated. With over 200 applications received, 20 talented students advanced to participate in this empowering event, showcasing their dedication to making meaningful contributions to society. The competition reflects a larger trend towards engaging youth in civic responsibilities and leadership roles. A Bright Future Through Civic Knowledge The competition not only fosters awareness among students but also encourages real-world applications of civic principles. Participants are challenged to address pressing community issues, proposing actionable solutions that highlight their understanding of democratic processes. The distinguished panel of judges, which included local business leaders, underscored the event’s commitment to nurturing future leaders. “Their essays were inspiring, thoughtfully written, and focused on real-world challenges. Each offering meaningful solutions,” said Judge Mary Makfinsky, director of business banking at Popular Bank. Celebrating Achievements and Next Steps Alan Khordos of Springfield was awarded first place, recognized for his outstanding performance and articulate defense of his civic engagement proposal. With the top ten finalists advancing to the state competition at Rutgers University later this year, the program presents a significant opportunity for students across Sussex County NJ and beyond to gain recognition and exposure to civic leadership. Join the Movement: Ignite Civic Engagement If you know a motivated 6th to 8th grader passionate about instigating change and developing leadership skills, consider encouraging them to participate in future National Civics Bee events. Opportunities like these not only empower young learners but also contribute to building informed, engaged communities. For more information on upcoming competitions and how to get involved, visit the National Civics Bee application portal.