Harford Chamber Hosts 1st Annual Harford County Civics Bee

    Bel Air, MD – On Thursday, April 10th, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted the first annual Harford County Civics Bee in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Civics Trust. The event was held at Towson University in Northeastern Maryland and sponsored by APG Federal Credit Union, United Way of Central Maryland, Amazon, and Arrow Child & Family Ministries.

    The event began in Winter of 2024, with dozens of Harford County middle school students submitting entry essays that discussed how they would use their civic knowledge to solve a problem in their communities. 20 finalists were selected to be a part of the Civics Bee, with 10 participants competing in the quiz-style event. The event started with a service project with United Way of Central Maryland, celebrating their 100th anniversary on the 100th day of the year. Students, volunteers, and their families helped stuffed teddy bears and pack books to be given to kindergarten and first grade Harford County Public School students.

    Mary Kane, President & CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce shared remarks with students and their families, encouraging them before the competition and acknowledging their hard work thus far. Monica Worrell, APG Federal Credit Union; Jaclyn Coates, Towson University in Northeastern Maryland; and Amy Novak, United Way of Central Maryland also shared sponsor remarks.
    
    The event consisted of two rounds of multiple-choice questions that tested students’ civics and history knowledge. The top 5 students then progressed to the final round of competition: presenting and defending their essays to a panel of judges. Thank you to our judges: Jay Ellenby, Safe Harbors Travel, Jenn Button, Harford County Public Library, and Kira Sconion, Harford County League of Women Voters.

    Congratulations to Gavin in 3rd place, Chloe in 2nd place, and Raashi in 1st place! All three winners took home certificates, trophies, a cash prize, as well as sponsored gifts from APGFCU. These students will move on to compete in the Maryland Civics Bee hosted by the Maryland Chamber of Commerce in June, with the potential to compete in the National Civics Bee hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Civics Trust.

View all event photos here.

    About the Harford County Chamber of Commerce: The Harford County Chamber of Commerce has worked continually as the recognized voice of business in Harford County since 1976. The Harford Chamber is the premier business advocate in the county, helping members connect and thrive to create a vibrant economy across all sectors. For more information or become a Harford County Chamber member, please contact Natalie Pixley at natalie@harfordchamber.org