INDIANA – The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its third regional Civics Bee in partnership with the state.

The competition challenges middle school students to demonstrate their understanding of civics and propose solutions to community issues.

“Every year just watching those kids get up there, it means a lot. I think it says a lot about our community and what we’re doing in the county for all of our students,” said Shawntel Baker, with the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce.

Baker said the competition gives students a chance to become more involved in what’s happening in their community.

“We’ve got great talent coming up in our youth. They know what’s going on, we just need to listen more, hear what they’re saying and get them engaged,” Baker said.

This year’s local Civics Bee winners were Arianna Stevenson in first place, Calin Ledgerwood in second, and Emily Meeker in third.

Stevenson, who said she has a strong passion for the arts, has participated in around fifteen productions, including musicals and plays, and is also involved in choir.

As part of the Civics Bee experience, Stevenson served as mayor for the day alongside Richmond Mayor Ron Oler and the city’s Code Enforcement Department.

“I saw the many different ways that people work and how much it takes,” she said.

In her civics essay, she focused on housing issues, specifically pointing to abandoned and run-down homes in the city.

"I got to talk with some of the people that actually work on these homes and it gave me a lot more insight on how the process is, of helping renovate or tear them down," she said. "It gave me a new perspective."

Third-place finisher Emily Meeker is also active in extracurriculars, including competitive dance and her school band. Her essay focused on clothing insecurity, a topic she said was inspired by personal observation.

“I think just seeing it with my own eyes. I try to put myself in other people’s shoes as much as I can,” Meeker said. “I just wanted to help.”

In her essay, Meeker proposed collecting clothing donations from local communities to support organizations that assist those in need.

Looking ahead to the state competition, Meeker said she is both excited and nervous.

 “It’s always fun to see how other people view their communities,” she said.

Stevenson, Ledgerwood and Meeker will advance to represent Wayne County at the state finals on June 23 at the Indiana War Museum in Indianapolis.

Image source: Alexis Harmon, Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce