PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 2, 2024
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER’S NATIONAL CIVICS BEE PROPELS YOUNG LEADERS TO SHAPE TOMORROW’S SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
Twenty middle school students recently competed for the title of Southwest Washington's Civics Bee Champion at the state qualifying round held in Vancouver.
Vancouver, WA - The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) proudly announced the winners of the state qualifying round of National Civics Bee, an academic competition that tests students' knowledge of civics and government.
Out of twenty middle school finalists from various school districts across Vancouver, Battle Ground, Evergreen, and La Center, alongside homeschooled and private schools’ students, Devin Spector-Van Zee, a 7th grader, won the title of Southwest Washington’s Civics Bee Champion and a cash prize of $500.
The competition, held on April 27th at the Prairie High School Auditorium, brought forth the brilliance of young minds as they showcased their understanding of civics principles and government functions. In partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the event fostered an environment of intellectual vigor and spirited competition.
Participants navigated a rigorous set of questions spanning U.S. government, history, politics, constitutional law, and beyond. An interactive element allowed parents and guests to engage in a fun, parallel competition from the audience using their phones.
Following the initial round, the top six scorers faced questions from a distinguished panel of judges including Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle of the City of Vancouver, Mayor Troy McCoy of the City of Battle Ground, WA, and Vancouver City Councilor Sarah J. Fox. Finalists, while presenting their previously submitted essays addressing pertinent community issues (such as homelessness, climate change, fast fashion, mental health, vaping, public safety), engaged in insightful discussions with the judges.
Devin Spector-Van Zee emerged triumphant, followed by Shreya Andey from Shalala Middle School securing second place, and Landon Coy from Cornerstone Christian Academy for Learning and Leadership claiming third place, each awarded cash prizes of $500, $250, and $125, respectively.
“Standing up in front of 200 people and sharing your thoughts, concerns and solutions is not easy to do. It takes a lot of confidence for someone to raise their hand and say: Yes, I want to do this,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. For McEnerny-Ogle, this competition presents a unique opportunity for students to delve deep into issues they find important. It encourages them to conduct thorough research, gather necessary evidence to support their opinions, and effectively present their findings. Additionally, it educates them about the various levels of government and the different agencies available to help address problems.
The judges lauded the young competitors for their civics prowess and innovative problem-solving approaches.
Exciting Competition Awaits in Olympia
The top three winners will now advance to the state Civics Bee event, presented by the Association of Washington Business on June 29th at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts at SPSCC (Olympia Campus). The public is encouraged to attend the state final Civics Bee competition. Learn more at: https://www.awb.org/event/2024-national-civics-bee-washington-state-final/
Championing Civic Engagement
The National Civics Bee is part of the Greater Vancouver Chamber's commitment to promoting civic education and fostering civic engagement among young students and professionals alike. This event serves as a platform for students to expand their knowledge of civics and develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills.
“Civic education is the cornerstone of a vibrant and engaged community. Through endeavors like the National Civics Bee, we empower our youth to actively shape the trajectory of Southwest Washington's future. At the Greater Vancouver Chamber, we remain resolute in our mission to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow, individuals poised to ignite positive transformation and foster innovation throughout our region,” said Janet Kenefsky, VP of Operations for the Chamber.
For more information about the National Civics Bee, please visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/nationalcivicsbee/.
The 2024 National Civics Bee was proudly sponsored by Columbia Credit Union, United Grain Corporation, The Columbian, Chick-fil-A, and Pepsi. Business leaders interested in sponsoring next year’s event, please email the Greater Vancouver Chamber at yourchamber@vancouverusa.com.
About the National Civics Bee
The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In the first round of the contest, local middle school students participate in an essay competition. Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in our local competition: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. The top three students from each local competition will advance to the state competition. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this competition was launched to tackle the lack of knowledge about history and civics among middle school students, exposed by new federal data on the Nation's Report Card. In 2022, the average civics score at eighth grade decreased by 2 points compared to 2018.
About the Greater Vancouver Chamber
SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.
###
Media Assets:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17Me6WNbFMGiANYJ1tKn0j8NeU4sM_Gzp?usp=sharing
Official Program Link:
National Civics Bee
Washington State Civics Bee Competition:
https://www.awb.org/event/2024-national-civics-bee-washington-state-final/
Nation’s Report Card:
NAEP Report Card: 2022 NAEP Civics Assessment
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 1, 2024
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER'S JUNIOR MARKET RETURNS TO CELEBRATE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
On June 1st, over 300 young entrepreneurs from across the region will gather to put their business skills to the test in a profitable location.
Vancouver, WA – Lemonade Day Greater Vancouver’s Junior Market will return on June 1, 2024, for a third year. Brought to the community by the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) and proudly presented by Main Squeeze sponsor OnPoint Community Credit Union, the annual event showcases the creativity, innovation, and business acumen of the region’s next generation of owners and CEOs.
“Exploring the world of entrepreneurship early builds skills and confidence that can help young people achieve financial sustainability later in life,” said Tim Clevenger, SVP/Chief Marketing Officer at OnPoint Community Credit Union. “We are proud to continue our support of Lemonade Day Greater Vancouver and are amazed every year by the creativity, ingenuity and dedication of every vendor.”
More than 300 young entrepreneurs from across southwest Washington will gather at Esther Short Park on Saturday, June 1, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, to sell their handmade and homegrown products. These products include artwork, jewelry, hand creams, birdhouses, organically grown produce and more.
Sparking young entrepreneurial spirits
Visitors are invited to explore the market booths and engage with the young entrepreneurs throughout the day. Each junior vendor will have the chance to participate in a Business Pitch contest sponsored by Palm Beach Tan, providing them with real-world experience, networking opportunities, and expert guidance.
Young CEOs will submit their business results to the Greater Vancouver Chamber at the end of the day for a chance to be recognized as the Vancouver Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.
“We're thrilled to see the entrepreneurial spirit come to life once more! We invite businesses, community leaders, and residents to join us and show their support. Engaging with these young entrepreneurs and celebrating their achievements not only cultivates a culture of entrepreneurship but also ignites inspiration for the leaders of tomorrow," said Janet Kenefsky, VP of Operations for the Chamber and City Director of Lemonade Day Greater Vancouver.
Young entrepreneurs earned $40,000 at last year’s Junior Market. The young CEOs split profits between charities of their choosing and their own bottom line.
Market is a cornerstone of Lemonade Day
The Junior Market is the culmination of the Lemonade Day program, an initiative aimed to inspire budding entrepreneurs aged 6 to 16 by learning essential life skills such as business operations, responsibility, financial literacy, goal setting, and teamwork.
Building region’s business community of tomorrow together
Lemonade Day is offered entirely free of charge thanks to the generous support of program investors like OnPoint.
For further information about how to get involved in My Lemonade Program or the Junior Market, please visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/lemonadeday.
The success of the Greater Vancouver Vancouver’s Junior Market would not have been possible without Main Squeeze and Presenting Sponsor OnPoint Community Credit Union and the additional support of proud partners: Chick-fil-A Cascade Park, Colas Construction, Palm Beach Tan, Burgerville, Waste Connections, Perkins & Co, The Columbian, Columbia Credit Union, Port of Vancouver USA, Cal Portland, Securus Systems, Rivermark Community Credit Union, Bridgeview Resource Center, Urban Air Adventure Park, When the Shoe Fits, WHY Racing Events, Vancouver Wellness Studio, Vancouver Farmers Market, Grassa; PepsiCo, Lifetime Exteriors, and Big Al’s.
About Lemonade Day Greater Vancouver
Since its inception in 2021, Lemonade Day Greater Vancouver has been rooted in entrepreneurial spirit. Engaging over 3,500 young minds across Southwest Washington, kids ages 6-16 have been learning the essential ABCs of business skills, fueling their creativity, and fostering their understanding of entrepreneurship. We take pride in the fact that 35% of our participants hail from diverse backgrounds, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and community empowerment. Our initiative has made a SPLASH, generating a whopping $90,000 in sales, directly benefiting charities, and lining the pockets of these budding CEOs! We are more than just a program - we are making a difference one junior-business at a time. For additional details, please visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/annual-events/lemonadeday/.
About the Greater Vancouver Chamber
SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.
###
Media Assets
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13x6SPe8vKvjnbPcZEYhWb4SKEwgQU-RP
Official Program Link
https://www.vancouverusa.com/annual-events/lemonade-day/
My Lemonade Day Participant App, iOs
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-lemonade-day/id1465714143
My Lemonade Day Mentors App, iOs
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lemonade-day-mentors/id1326900393
My Lemonade Day App, Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.lemonadeday.mylemonadeday&hl=en_US&gl =US
Lemonade Day Video | Presented by Main Squeeze OnPoint Community Credit Union
https://youtu.be/CPaUIF7Ub5A?si=YxmCwWqrq374laBP
EVENT PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2024
MEDIA ADVISORY: Civics Bee Showcases Southwest Washington's Young Scholars
WHAT: 2024 National Civics Bee
BACKGROUND: Join us for an exciting and educational event that celebrates civic knowledge and engagement! The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to once again partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring to southwest Washington the National Civics Bee, an annual competition that invites middle school students to showcase their civic knowledge and compete for the title of National Civics Bee Champion.
Distinguished judges for this year’s competition include:
- Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle from City of Vancouver
- Mayor Troy McCoy from City of Battle Ground
- Clark County Council Chair/Councilor District 4 Gary Medvigy
Our carefully crafted questions cover a wide range of topics including U.S. government, history, politics, constitutional law, and more, making it a challenging and engaging competition that will test the participants' understanding of the foundations of our democratic society.
Twenty finalists from Battle Ground, Evergreen, La Center, and Vancouver school districts, some homeschooled and from private schools, who all previously won an essay contest, will take the stage where the top three students will advance to the state competition.
We invite you, as a respected media channel, to join us in covering this event. By covering the National Civics Bee regional competition, you will be shining a spotlight on the importance of civic education and the achievements of the young participants who are shaping the future of southwest Washington. Your coverage will also help raise awareness about the critical need for civic literacy and active citizenship.
WHEN: Saturday, April 27, 2024
WHERE: Prairie High School Auditorium (11311 NE 119th St, Vancouver, WA 98662)
TIME: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Media Check-In: 9:50am)
EVENT LINK: National Civics Bee
RSVP: To plan appropriately, please let us know if you will be able to attend as a media representative by emailing lsalmonte@vancouverusa.com.
About the Greater Vancouver Chamber
SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.
###
Media Assets:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dSmWrZGSucc-k-ptld3fJS4SV370jgRE
Official Program Link:
National Civics Bee
Nation’s Report Card:
NAEP Report Card: 2022 NAEP Civics Assessment