Forestview Eighth Graders Take Top Two Spots at State Civics Bee
Three Forestview Middle School students who competed in the regional and state Civics Bee as eighth graders are celebrating an impressive achievement this summer. Justus Anderson earned first place, while Fern Schmidt earned second place at the state competition. Maggie Praham, another Forestview student, also competed at the state level. All three students are entering ninth grade this fall.
The students qualified for the state competition after participating in the area’s first-ever regional Civics Bee, hosted by Forestview Middle School last spring. The competition challenges students to demonstrate their knowledge of civics, identify issues affecting their communities and propose solutions.
As the Minnesota state champion, Anderson will represent Minnesota at the National Civics Bee on October 14 in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation will coordinate the trip and cover round-trip travel expenses for each student finalist and one parent or guardian.
“We are incredibly proud of Justus, Fern and Maggie for their accomplishments and for their willingness to engage in meaningful conversations about their communities and the role they can play in making a difference,” said former Forestview Middle School Principal Tammy Stellmach. “Having two Forestview students finish first and second at the state level is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the students’ hard work, preparation, and commitment to civic engagement.”
The Civics Bee encourages middle school students to become more informed and active citizens by exploring issues in their communities and developing ideas for positive change.
Brainerd Public Schools is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of all three students and wishes Justus the best as he represents Minnesota on the national stage in October.