Lomira Civics Team Competes at the Capitol

On May 2, the Lomira civics team of Myles Verhunce, Savanna Frea, Weston Poth, and Marshall Hanke competed at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Civics Games.
Lomira was competing at the State Civics Games for the second consecutive year, with Hanke, Poth, and Verhunce returning from the 2024 team.
“The Civics games offer a unique opportunity for our students to show what they know about our local, state, and federal government as well as citizenship and rights,” said Team Advisor Stacey Clark. “I am so proud that we had two teams competing this year and excited that we made it to state for the second consecutive year.”
Sixteen teams throughout the state were competing at the Capitol for an opportunity to win bragging rights and a $2,000 scholarship to a Wisconsin college or university of their choice.

“We are so grateful to the Wisconsin Newspaper Association for the opportunity and the excitement the competition creates,” said Clark. “I am thankful to our students for the time and commitment they showed to learning more about our country.”
The Wisconsin Civics Games featured introductory remarks from Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly, University of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, Wisconsin Chief Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, and Dr. Eric Fulcomer, President & CEO, Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict but sent each participant a letter. In his message, Evers emphasized the importance of civics education in the governmental process.
“It is truly a wonderful experience to get to go to the capital in Madison and compete in front of our elected leaders,” said Clark.
“Through this experience, I hope that students participating gain critical knowledge about what it means to be civically engaged, how anyone can decide to help lead and change lives for the better, and how important it is to pay close attention to the people and the world around us,” wrote Governor Evers.
“We need dedicated public servants, elected officials, and community members like you now more than ever,” Evers added. “We need people who will lead with kindness, empathy, respect, and compassion; people who will treat others with dignity and kindness, regardless of their background; and people who will always try to do the right thing when it matters most.”
Wisconsin Civics Games Championship judges included Wisconsin 78th Assembly District Rep. Lisa Subeck, of Madison, Taylor Scott, co-owner, publisher and managing editor of Valley Sentinel in Spring Green; Nicole Aimone, co-owner, publisher and editor-in-chief of Valley Sentinel in Spring Green; and, Danny Zolp, freshman at Ohio State University and 2023 Wisconsin Civics Games State Champion from West Bend High School.