The League of Women Voters of Harvard held its fifth annual Civics Cup March 3 in Town Hall. We appreciate the work of everyone who made the 2024 Civics Cup a record-breaking event.
This year’s theme was “Sunshine Is the Best Disinfectant: Transparency and Accountability in Government.” Sixty students registered to compete from the Bromfield School and Parker Charter School. The maximum 16 teams signed up, with 13 returning competitors.
The winners, “Jackson’s Dirty Sock,” were ninth-graders. Emma Nguyen, Meghna Nambiar, Lena Pierson, and Michelle Xu posted a stellar second-round score, propelling the team to a five-point win. State Rep. Danillo Sena will host a tour of the State House for the team.
Second place was claimed by “Civic Symphony,” eighth-graders; third place went to “Li-HAM,” our 2023 champions, 10th-graders who ascended the podium for the second year in a row.
A big thank-you to our volunteers acting as team scribes, runners, bakers, scorers, or lifelines, or who helped in registration, recording, setup, or cleanup. We could not have done it without you.
Our enormous appreciation goes to Bromfield faculty members Kathleen Doherty and Ryan Colarossi, who wrote the questions and served as judges.
We are grateful to Civics Cup committee members Meg Bagdonas, Janice Goodell, Margaret Kusner, Jen Manell, Colleen McFadden, Jackie Normand, Stephanie Olpalka, Stu Sklar, and Sue Tokay.
Sorrento’s Pizzeria generously donated pizza for the competitors, and Carlson Orchards provided cider for students and spectators as well as beautiful gift baskets.
Thanks also go to sponsors 204 Lanes, Al Barbieri, Esq., Apex Entertainment, Carlson Orchards, Dunkin’, Erin McBee, Esq., Harvard General Store, Harvard Outdoor Power Equipment, Harvard Sweet Boutique, Ben and Eileen Myers, Three Seasons Landscape, Rollstone Bank and Trust, The Silver Unicorn bookstore, and BizTek International.
Big cheers for Harvard Town Moderator Bill Barton, who presided and also sprinted to the fire station and back for rescue markers.
Finally, we thank all the students who came and participated. A fantastic, smiling group filled upper Town Hall and impressed us all with their civic knowledge. We hope you had fun.
Shannon Molloy
Civics Cup chair, LWV Harvard
