“Knowledge about the ideas embodied in the Constitution and the ways in which it shapes our lives is not passed down from generation to generation through the gene pool; it must be learned anew by each generation.”
–The late Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, founder of iCivics

BY MICHAEL S. JOHNSON  |  NOV 13, 2024

Emily Brubaker, a middle school student from Alaska, thin framed in her dark suit and wire glasses, strode onto a stage in the nation’s capital. She had to wait for the microphone to be lowered for her to reach. She was there to make her case for legislation mandating insurance coverage for people with a serious medical condition that does harm to both eyes and teeth.

Emily was confident and convincing and, combined with other demonstrated skills, she emerged the victor in the first annual National Civics Bee Championship held in Washington, D.C. and hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Close behind in second place was Michael O’Mara from Iowa, and in third, Keith Lee representing New Mexico, both 14. They were among the finalists competing for the honor.

While they didn’t get the attention of the elections a week prior, the students were tested in a competition that metaphorically was similarly consequential, not just for the students but for a nation of citizens young and old lacking the civics education needed to fulfill their role as future leaders and responsible citizens. Continue reading →