The League of Women Voters of Harvard held its sixth annual Civics Cup March 2 in Town Hall, and we want to thank everyone for their help in putting together another record-breaking event.
This year’s theme was “Executive Branch.” Seventy-one students registered to compete from two schools, The Bromfield School and The Parker Charter School, forming 19 teams and establishing another high-water participation mark for the Civics Cup. The students were joined by at least 50 spectators who came to watch and play along.
The winners, Electoral College Dropouts, were a team of cleverly costumed 10th-graders. Emma Nguyen and Michelle Xu from last year’s winning team were joined this year by Bowen Clarke and Evan Gill.
Second place was claimed by Blue Skies, a team of ninth-graders; third place went to Team Teal, juniors; and our top eighth-grade team, Grandmaster Governors, finished fifth. Just five points separated fifth place from the winners.
Much appreciation to Harvard Town Administrator Dan Nason for delivering our keynote address.
A big thank-you to our volunteers acting as team scribes, runners, bakers, scorers, or lifelines, or who helped in registration, setup, or cleanup.
Our enormous appreciation goes to Parker faculty member Ryan Ruopp and to Bromfield faculty members Kathleen Doherty and Ryan Colarossi, who wrote questions and also served as judges.
We are incredibly grateful to Civics Cup committee members Meg Bagdonas, Jen Manell, Colleen McFadden, Jackie Normand, Stephanie Opalka, Nancy Hartshorne, and Sue Tokay for their invaluable work on the Civics Cup. Jen developed the extensive playlist, containing a music clip for every single question, which was a particular hit with students and spectators alike.
State Rep. Dan Sena will host a tour of the State House for the members of The Electoral College Dropouts.
Many thanks to the Civics Cup sponsors who so generously donated to this event.
Cheers for our own Harvard Town Moderator Bill Barton for his expert work as the Civics Cup master of ceremonies.
Finally, thank you to all the new and returning students who came and participated. Your voices matter and they have power.
Shannon Molloy, Stow Road
LWV-H Civics Cup chair
