The Business Council of New York State to Host First Ever National Civics Bee New York State Finals
Students from Delaware County, Orange County, Rochester, & Staten Island to Compete for Trip to National Finals
ALBANY – The Business Council of New York State Inc. is proud to announce the inaugural National Civics Bee New York State Competition, an exciting event designed to foster civic engagement among students across the state.
This innovative competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, aims to empower young minds to actively participate in shaping their communities while providing a platform to showcase their ideas and enthusiasm for civics.
On May 30, at the Capital Center in Albany, the National Civics Bee New York State Competition will bring together three students from each of the state's four participating regions who have completed local competitions and earned the right to advance to Albany for the state finals. The competitors will represent:
⦁ Delaware County (Delaware County Chamber of Commerce)
⦁ Orange County (Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce)
⦁ Rochester (Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce)
⦁ Staten Island (Staten Island Chamber of Commerce)
Finalists are vying for recognition, cash prizes, and a trip to Washington, D.C., to represent New York State in the national competition.
"We are thrilled to host the first-ever National Civics Bee in New York State," said Heather Mulligan, President and CEO of The Business Council of New York State. "As a business organization, we believe it's important to inspire the next generation of leaders to actively participate in civic life and, from an early age, contribute positively to their communities. We hope this event will encourage eager students to become informed, engaged citizens who are passionate about making a difference."
Ray Pucci, President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Civics education is part of our overall workforce development strategy. We know that employees who are engaged in their communities are more likely to establish deep roots in our communities, volunteer for service opportunities with our non-profit organizations, and become members of Rotary International, Lions Club, church councils, and other groups that build and sustain our communities.”
Caren Epps, Executive Assistant to Robert J. Duffy, President & CEO, said:
"Greater Rochester Chamber was honored to have hosted the first local qualifier of the National Civics Bee in Rochester, NY. The event was a fast, fun, brain-teasing adventure. The audience and kids all had fun trying to answer questions about our country's history, specifics about our constitution, and other civic-minded questions. This event brought together community citizens whose paths would not ordinarily meet. The adults thought this was the perfect political climate to encourage especially young people to become active in their civic lives. The kids were proud to explain and summarize their essays that won them their spot in the contest. It was a wonderful time had by all.”
Linda Baran, President & CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, said:
“While civic engagement has been waning across the county, it is refreshing to see so many young people engage in this initiative and show interest in addressing the challenges and quality of life issues impacting their communities. The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce believes this program not only inspired our youth but also activated thoughtful ideas around community stewardship. We are proud to be participating in first ever National Civics Bee® New York State Finals,”
Event Judges
⦁ Allen Fore, Vice President of Public Affairs, Kinder Morgan, Inc.
⦁ Dr. Carol Kim, Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, SUNY Albany
⦁ Bob Schneider, Executive Director, New York State School Boards Association
⦁ Emcee/Host: Susan Arbetter, Anchor, Capital Tonight/ Spectrum News
Guest Speaker
Honorable Mary Beth Walsh, Assembly District 112, New York State Assembly.
For more information about the National Civics Bee New York State Competition, including registration details, visit our Civics Bee New York registration page.