High School students set to compete in March 3 Regional Citizen Bee

Students from 14 high schools will visit Lamar State College on March 3 to compete in the 21st annual Region Citizen Bee, a contest that tests students’ knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, important American documents, people, issues, civic values and current events.

This year’s contest is supported by a $5,000 donation from the Total Petrochemicals refinery in Port Arthur.

“The Citizen Bee experience involves teachers, families, and the community in the acquisition of knowledge and skills essential for effective citizenship,” said LSC-PA government instructor Mavis Triebel, who coordinates the contest.

This year’s entries include two private schools – Acorns to Oaks Academy from Damon and Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School in Beaumont.

The public high schools are Port Arthur Memorial, Central Medical Magnet (Beaumont), Hamshire-Fannett, Nederland, Deweyville, Orangefield, Port Neches- Groves, Kountze, Sabine Pass, Lumberton, Spurger and West Orange-Stark.

Each school pays an entry fee and sends three students and an alternate; but the students compete individually.

All questions and answers are available before the contest in an on-line study guide provided by the Bill of Rights Institute.

The contest includes a one-hour private written examination, followed by oral questions with an audience on the stage of the Lamar State College Performing Arts Center, 1700 Procter Street.

The top four contestants in the regional event earn cash awards, with the first- place winner receiving $500 and second place $250.

Third-place receives $125, while the fourth-place student takes home $75. All contestants receive a Citizen Bee T-shirt.

The winner of the regional contest advances to the state Citizen Bee in Austin. The four state winners receive awards of $1,000, $750, $500 and $250.