The Top Three in the Western Kentucky Regional Civics Bee have emerged in the competition hosted by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.
Some 15 finalists participated in the live competition Saturday, April 22, at The Carson Center in Paducah. The Presidential Sponsors for the event were Data Records Management Services and The Carson Center.
The Top 3 are Kaylee Brandon, an eighth-grader at South Hopkins Middle School; Calleigh Oldja, a seventh-grader at Paducah Middle School; and Luke Whiteside, an eighth grader at Lone Oak Middle School.
Brandon was awarded first place and the $750 grand prize. She wrote an essay about sex trafficking and how that problem is growing. Brandon suggested a solution includes bringing awareness to the community, educating others to notice signs, and how young people can lead the way.
Oldja, took second place and was awarded $500. Her essay addressed income inequality. She said two people in the same job, both working hard, should not suffer different economic outcomes because of their race, sex, or other non-economic characteristics.
Whiteside earned third place and received $250. His essay centered on bringing more awareness about the McCracken County Humane Society. He hopes to help the nonprofit grow their funding and volunteers, both of which could use a boost.
The top three winners advance and compete against other middle school students from across the state at the Kentucky Chamber Civics Bee in Frankfort this summer. Each of the three winners also received a $100 Visa gift card to offset their travel expenses to the state competition.
Each of the 15 finalists received an Amazon Fire tablet.
The Paducah Chamber was chosen by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host the regional competition and received more than 160 essay applications.
Also competing as finalists were:
- Isaiah Cobb, 8th grade, South Hopkins Middle School
- Anna Grace Everett, 8th grade, Lone Oak Middle School
- Braxton Haley, 6th grade, Chandlers Elementary School
- Chandler Harris, 7th grade, James Madison Middle School
- Mason Katich, 6th grade, Browning Springs Middle School
- Sam Marcum, 7th grade, Paducah Middle School
- Deane McKnight, 8th grade, Browning Springs Middle School
- Emerson Smee, 6th grade, Murray Middle School
- Summer Stoakley, 8th grade, Browning Springs Middle School
- Ella Vandermeulen, 7th grade, Lone Oak Middle School
- Chloe Vaughn, 8th grade, South Hopkins Middle School
- Amelia Williams, 7th grade, Browning Springs Middle School
