ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – In a historic event this week, Romig Middle School eighth-grader Emily Brubaker earned acclaim and $100,000 as the inaugural champion in the first National Civics Bee competition held in Washington, D.C.
The National Civics Bee, organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, aims to engage students in civics education. Following her success at the statewide Alaska Bee in June, Brubaker was among 28 finalists competing for the substantial prize.
Contestants underwent team challenges, presentations, and a buzzer round, with Brubaker eventually winning on a cumulative score. In a nail-biting conclusion, she tied with finalist Michael O’Mara from Iowa during the buzzer round. “I started crying on camera” upon hearing her name announced as the first-place winner, she recounted, as she was presented with an oversized check amid celebratory streamers.
Brubaker passionately addressed the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, advocating for insurance coverage for those with genetic anomalies like her own ectodermal dysplasia, which affects her teeth and other health aspects.
Her victory not only awarded her a substantial prize but also alleviated some financial pressure related to her anticipated dental needs, as well as provided a promising start towards her goal of studying at MIT and working with NASA in the future.
Looking ahead, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce aims to expand the competition, hoping to have all 50 states represented by 2026, aligning with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Copyright 2024 KTUU. All rights reserved.
Source
Photo credit www.alaskasnewssource.com
