TOWSON, MD—Oluwatomisin Adeniye, who just completed Grade 8 at Loch Raven Technical Academy, earned second place in Maryland’s 2nd annual National Civics Bee. Adeniye earned a $750 cash prize for her essay highlighting growing concerns about violence in schools.

The Civics Bee, held at Coppin State University on June 17, was hosted by the Maryland Chamber Foundation and sponsored by Amazon.

The event, produced in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and in collaboration with the Baltimore County, Greater Crofton, Howard County, and Frederick County chambers of commerce, brought together 11 finalists from across Maryland, who earned their spots in the statewide competition through their performance in locally held competitions organized by the four chambers.

All 11 finalists – including Adeniye and two other Baltimore County Public Schools students – were awarded laptops for their achievements. The other two BCPS finalists were Rayn Mohammed, who just completed Grade 8 at Northwest Academy of Health Sciences and whose essay addressed opioid abuse and addiction, and Jude Radday, who just completed Grade 8 at Ridgely Middle School and who wrote about physical altercations in schools.

Guests and judges during the event included Clarence Crawford, president, Maryland State Board of Education; Delegate Dana Stein, Maryland State Delegate for District 11B, Baltimore County, and co-founder, president, and executive director of Civic Works; and Tami Watkins, director of Government & Regulatory and External Affairs for Comcast.