Spelling Champions

County Students Win State Finals

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- On June 8, the Maryland Chamber Foundation hosted the 3rd annual National Civics Bee®: Maryland State Finals, sponsored by Amazon and Comcast at Bowie State University.

 Gianna S., an eighth grade homeschool student from Prince George’s County, emerged as the winner of the competition, earning the first-place trophy, a check for $1,000 and a brand-new laptop.

 Remarkably, Gianna had secured the first-place position in last year's competition, and second at 2022's event. Dominic Y., an eighth grader from Hammond Middle School in Prince George's County, was awarded second place; while Meera D., an eighth grader from West Frederick Middle School in Frederick County, secured the third-place position. The top three students each earned cash prizes, and all 15 finalists were awarded laptops in recognition of their exceptional efforts.

 “We are thrilled to continue fostering civic engagement and empowering students through the National Civics Bee®, an annual competition aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities," said Whitney Harmel, Executive Director of the Maryland Chamber Foundation and Executive Vice President of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. "By encouraging students to learn about government and civic involvement, we aim to help tomorrow’s leaders cultivate a passion for democracy and active participation in their communities."

 Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and in collaboration with the Allegany County, Baltimore County, Greater Crofton, Frederick County and St. Mary's County chambers of commerce, the event brought together 15 exceptional students from across Maryland, who earned their spots in the statewide competition through their performance in locally held competitions organized by the five chambers.

 Esteemed guests and judges during the event included keynote speaker Secretary Paul Monteiro Jr. of the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation; Senator Nick Charles, member of the Maryland Senate representing District 25, Prince George's County; Delegate Dana Stein, representing District 11B, Baltimore County, and Co-founder, President and Executive Director of Civic Works; as well as Tami Watkins, Director of Government & Regulatory and External Affairs for Comcast.