March 13, 2025
ALBANY, Ga. – Students from the Dougherty County School System will represent Southwest Georgia in the state's inaugural civics bee, demonstrating their civic knowledge and engagement. Superintendent Kenneth Dyer lauded the students' involvement, stating the Civics Bee offers a "tremendous opportunity" for students to "think critically about the role of citizens and how they impact their lives" through important civic discussions.
The competition is open to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, and Dyer noted the "very impressive" essays submitted by Dougherty County's middle schoolers to advance. He emphasized the importance of young students engaging with civics, especially in today's climate where community focus is vital.
Dougherty County is among only about eight school systems statewide participating in this inaugural event, making its representation of Southwest Georgia significant. Students from Merry Acres Middle School, Radium Springs Middle School, and Robert A. Cross Middle Magnet School will be participating in the next level of the bee on Monday, March 17, 2025.
"I’m proud of our students… this is something that helps prepare our students for life after school to understand the importance of civic engagement," Dyer said, Students are also learning how to advocate for important issues. He views this as a crucial part of their development, offering real-world experience beyond classroom learning.
Seventh-grade students Kaylin Hutchins and Emmanuel Sancho from Robert Cross Middle School are participants in Dougherty County's showing. The two said they were excited and a little nervous to be participating in the bee.
"I'm happy that we've been chosen for this part of the bee," Hutchins said. "But it's a little nerve wracking as well, because you really want to do well."
"I'm pretty confident that we'll do OK," Sancho said. "We've stayed after school and Mr. (Dominique) Riggins has really helped us prepare."
Dyer expressed confidence in the Dougherty County students for the statewide competition and hopes to see them at the national Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., in Fall 2025.
The winner of the National Civics Bee® Georgia State Finals will receive a trip to the national championship, where Dyer said he'd be sitting on the front row supporting them. "If they go to DC, I’ll be right there with them, cheering them on"
Modeled after spelling and geography bees, the National Civics Bee® encourages youth civic engagement and community contribution. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce Foundation is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and eight local chambers, including the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, to host the nonpartisan statewide competition. The Georgia State Finals will be held at the Carter Center in Atlanta on June 27, 2025. Finalists will compete for recognition, trophies, and cash prizes, with a $1,000 first-place award.
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce Foundation believes that "informed and active citizens make for a strong country, economy, and workforce" and that the National Civics Bee® promotes civic knowledge and pride in Georgia.
Dougherty County students are currently preparing for the statewide competition with the full support of their school system. Their participation underscores the commitment to fostering civic engagement and critical thinking within the district.
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