Two Sturgeon Bay Students Write and Draw Winning Editorial Pieces

T.J. Walker Middle School sixth-grader Ella Nerby took second place for this editorial cartoon.

Two sixth-graders from T.J. Walker Middle School in Sturgeon Bay are among the 16 students who will receive cash awards, certificates and the opportunity to be published by newspapers across the state for their submissions to the 2023 Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing and Cartoon Contest.

Sixth-grader Ella Nerby took second place for her editorial cartoon highlighting the importance of the First Amendment. At the same school, sixth-grader Steven Blevins received an honorable mention for his letter to the editor in the writing contest, entitled, “First Amendment is the Most Important Amendment of All.”

Both of these winning entries will be published in the Feb. 9 issue of the Peninsula Pulse. 

This is the third year the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation (WNA Foundation) has hosted the contest that asks students to convey their opinion about an issue related to the First Amendment through editorial writing or an editorial cartoon. The contest is part of the WNA Foundation’s response to declining civics education and participation in the democratic process. 

Students from 19 schools across the state participated in this year’s contest. Entries were judged on adherence to the theme, quality of writing or artwork, originality and proper use of grammar, spelling and punctuation. The 16 winners will receive prizes totaling $3,600. The awards are funded by the University of Wisconsin System.

A complete list of winners and their entries can be viewed at wisconsincivicsgames.com.

Teachers: Get A Team Ready for Wisconsin Civics Games

Later this year, the nonprofit WNA Foundation will host the third Wisconsin Civics Games, during which high school students compete to answer civics-related questions in head-to-head matches. 

The preliminary regional competitions will be held virtually on April 11-12, with the top 12 teams advancing to the state finals on May 10 at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Members of the winning team will each be awarded $2,000 toward tuition to a Wisconsin college or university of their choice.Teachers and students interested in participating in the Games can sign up online at bit.ly/wicivicsgames through March 1. Participants will receive a textbook to help them prepare for the Games, as well as access to several online resources. Learn more at wisconsincivicsgames.com.