Kevin Hendricks/Rio Rancho Observer Assistant Editor
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce hosted the second annual National Civics Bee state finals on June 1 at the University of New Mexico’s main campus in Albuquerque, and two Rio Rancho students were the stars of the show.
Seventh grader, Keith Lee, a Rio Rancho resident who attends Albuquerque Academy, took first place, followed by eighth grader Auburn Eichers from Rio Rancho Cyber Academy, who took second in finals, which was hosted by the NMCC in partnership with the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
Ten middle school finalists from local competitions across New Mexico advanced to take part in the state competition, including students from Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Rio Rancho. Students participated in a live quiz event and answered questions from judges to test their civics knowledge. Students also presented the essays they submitted prior to the competition about an issue in their community and how they believe they can best be solved. Lee wowed the judges with his essay on climate change.
“I worked hard for this. In the district competition, I was nervous because everyone was really good. I didn’t think I prepared enough [for the district round], so I took it upon myself to prepare more for the state round,” Lee said. “It just feels good; I tried something new, and it got me here.”
Lee advances to represent New Mexico in the National Civics Bee competition in Washington, D.C., this fall.
