HARRISBURG, Pa. (ErieNewsNow) - Today, middle school students were tested on their knowledge of civics at the first annual Pennsylvania State 2023 National Civics Bee. 

The finalists who competed today submitted essays to their local chambers of commerce on how they would use civics to improve their communities. 

Three Erie-area students were among 15 from across the state that qualified for the competition: Tristan Hiner, Erie Day School; Logan Thompson, Fairview Middle School; and Nyh’Vairon Nicholson, The Eagles Nest School of Academic Distinction. 

“It was fun to come down and to participate in something like this for the first time ever,” said Tristan Hiner, who was the top finalist in Erie’s regional civics bee. 

The event included a series of challenging trivia questions on American democracy. Afterwards, the top five made their case to judges on how they would use civics to better their community. 

Even though no Erie competitors made it to the final round, Hiner says it was still an unforgettable experience. 

“It was really tough, these questions were a lot tougher than the regional round but it was fun to be able to participate and it's cool to be a part of that,” said Hiner. 

“Every student is already a winner,” said Curtis Jones Jr., the Director of Government Affairs for the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. “It’s great to see our students participate. Families here, a teacher was here from our area, so it's really exciting,” he added. 

Jones says civics teaches students how to have an informed voice, while understanding the systems of policy and government. 

“Understand the systems that they're living in, systems that they need to understand how to navigate, but also sometimes systems they need to learn how to revamp,” said Jones. “The earlier that we can get students to understand that they, first of all, have a voice and we can provide opportunities for them to share and express that voice, I think the better we are as a community, as a society,” he added. 

“I think right now we're seeing statistically that civics education is really down. So, this is really an opportunity to change that,” said Luke Bernstein, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber. 

Berstein says it’s also an opportunity to promote civility. 

“Civility is a really important part that we're missing a lot of times in today's debate. So, to engage not only civically, but doing it civilly is really important. And these kids are learning that lesson and they're really impressive,” said Bernstein. 

The chamber hopes to expand next year’s civics bee and even have a national competition. 

“Our goal for next year is to really increase this, get more participation, not only in Pennsylvania, but to have a national civics bee so kids can learn more about the democratic process, civic engagement, how to be a part and engage in the in the public process and be civic minded,” said Bernstein. 

The first-place $1,000 prize for today’s civics bee went to Nathaniel Gushurst of Charles F. Patton middle school in Chester County.