Hinton & Troutman Ready For State Fair Civics Bee
Two LaRue County Middle School students will soon take their knowledge of civics to the big stage. Eighth graders Joel Hinton and Piper Troutman placed in the top three at the regional National Civics Bee competition in Bardstown this spring, earning spots in the upcoming state competition at the Kentucky State Fair on August 21.
The National Civics Bee, according to LCMS librarian Abby Lee, is designed to help students “gain knowledge about American democracy, practice engaging respectfully and constructively, and build trust in others and institutions.” To enter, students responded to a four-question essay prompt proposing an idea to improve their local community. Six LCMS students — Lydia Carl, Piper Troutman, Ellee Marksbury, Ella Bales, Joel Hinton, and Peyton Claycomb — were chosen as finalists for the Bardstown regional event.
At regionals, competitors answered 20 multiple-choice civics questions before discussing their essay proposals. Joel placed first in the trivia portion, while Piper finished fifth.
Joel’s essay proposed including more Kentucky Proud products in school lunches. “Currently, we ship food in from other states,” he said. “I think this would be beneficial for students with food grown locally here in the state.” Joel first became interested in the Civics Bee after participating in the Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA), where, he said, Mrs. Lee encouraged him to give it a try.
Piper’s essay focused on creating an animal abuse registry, an idea she first developed for KYA, where it passed through both the House and Senate chambers. “Offenders would be placed on a shared record that would be available and helpful to animal shelters and veterinary clinics,” she explained. “I have this desire, as far-fetched as it might sound, to change the world. I wanted to start here in Kentucky with problems I am passionate about solving.”
Mrs. Lee said the competition not only sharpens students’ understanding of civics and democracy but also “enhances their critical thinking and promotes civic engagement.” She added, “One of my goals as a teacher is to encourage students to get involved in activities they are passionate about, so I was excited to see my KYA students extend their bill-writing experience in another competition.”
The top three winners from each region will compete at the state level, where they will answer 20 new civics questions before the top finalists present and defend their proposals. Win or lose, Joel and Piper have already shown that they can think deeply, speak confidently, and engage with real-world issues — skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.
