The Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce is calling all middle school students — sixth, seventh and eighth graders — to participate in the National Civics Bee. See Community Calendar for more information. The first round of the contest is an essay competition. Judges will then select 20 finalists who will go to the final round, which is a live quiz testing their civics knowledge. This is an opportunity to go to the National Civics Bee, where the national prize is $50,000. Local cash prizes are $500 for first place, $250 for second, $125 for third. Statewide cash prizes are $1,000 for first, $500 for second and $250 for third. Visit https://www.easternplainschamber.com and complete the online submission form and upload or mail your 500 word essay, which must be received by Feb. 19 at 11:59 p.m. The U.S. Chamber extended the deadline date because of weather conditions and various school closings across the country. The date for the local essay winners’ event is March 16 at the Broadmoor.
