WILKES-BARRE — The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, along with other local Chamber groups, hosted a competition called the National Civics Bee on Saturday.
The event took place at the Wilkes University Henry Student Center, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre.
Lindsay Griffin-Boylan, who is the president and CEO of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, mentioned that the National Civics Bee aims to encourage more young Americans to get involved in civics and make a positive impact in their communities.
Griffin-Boylan stated that 21 middle school students from across Northeast Pennsylvania took part in the competition to show their knowledge of civics and discuss solutions to community issues.
The judges and moderators for the event were: Mike Lombardo, mayor of Pittston; George Brown, mayor of Wilkes-Barre; and Shirley Barrett, mayor of the Borough of Archbald. The event was moderated by Michaela Grundowski, senior manager of program engagement at the Chamber, and assisted by Meghan Flanagan, director of operations and communications.
Brielle Waters from Valley View Middle School emerged as the winner, and the top five finalists were: Waters; Elena Anderson, Valley View; Mike O’Meara, Leo E. Solomon; Justin Tlatenchi, Solomon Plains; and Liam Balliet, Crestwood.
The participants were:
• Valley View High School: Brielle Waters, Elena Anderson, Avila Martinez, Aubrianna Kendricks, Lucy Ritzco, Nina Margotta, Drew Bazil, Camryn Tracewski, Allie Sedlak, Kelsey O’Shea, Robert Zaleski, Anthony Maurizio, Riley Karwowski, Brody Bargella, Ashley Feola.
• Tunkhannock Area High School: Irene Pieretti.
• Abington Heights Middle School: Margot Grad.
• Leo E. Solomon Middle School: Mike O’Meara; Gabriel Dates.
• Solomon Plains Junior High School: Justin Tlatenchi.
• Crestwood Secondary School: Liam Balliet.
