NAPERVILLE STUDENT HEADED TO NATIONAL CIVICS BEE
Astha Savalia, who graduated from Kennedy Junior High School in Naperville, will represent Illinois at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., this November.
Astha earned the honor after winning local and statewide civics bees this year. She was the first-place winner at the Regional National Civics Bee, held April 28 at Lewis University in Romeoville, and the Illinois State National Civics Bee, held July 31 at the University of Illinois Springfield.
The 2nd annual Illinois State National Civics Bee featured the top three finalists from regional competitions hosted by chamber of commerce organizations across the state. Astha competed in the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce’s bee.
Placing second in regionals was Aisha Chavda from Timber Ridge Middle School in Plainfield. The third-place winner was Astha’s sister, Reva Savalia, who attends Kennedy Junior High.
At the regional competition, the Joliet Region Chamber awarded a $500 prize for first place, $250 for second and $125 for third.
For winning the state competition, Astha received $1,000 and will advance to the national competition, which offers a $100,000 prize for the winner’s future education.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPS
Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, for Naperville high school students interested in serving on one of the city’s boards and commissions or as a chief of staff to Mayor Scott Wehril through the KidsMatter internship.
The programs offer students a chance to participate in public service via terms that run through July 31, 2027, a news release said.
Among the boards with student positions are the Advisory Commission on Disabilities, Historic Preservation Commission, Public Library Board, Riverwalk Commission and Special Events Cultural Arts Commission.
There are 24 positions available — two positions on each board or commission, the release said.
Applicants must live within Naperville boundaries and can be sophomores, juniors or seniors. Students who have previously served are ineligible to apply, the release said.
Up to eight students will be chosen for chief of staff internships to support the mayor at community events and learn about city government and public service.
All students selected for one of the positions will take part in the KidsMatter Leadership Academy on Nov. 7.
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To apply, go to www.naperville.il.us/boards. For more information, contact Rachel Pruneda at [email protected] or 630-420-6018.