Citi-zen master

Knowledge of politics provides scholarship opportunity for junior

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Junior Noah Corbitt (center) has advanced to the state Citizen Bee competition on April 16.

Matthew Norwood, Staff Reporter

It’s time for a pop quiz.

Question 1: What court case established the “clear and present danger” clause in restricting the First Amendment?

Answer: Schenck v. United States

Question 2: Who is the current US Attorney General?

Answer: Loretta Lynch

Question 3: What was the first constitution written in the future territory of the United States?

Answer: The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639)

These are the type of questions found at Texas’ Citizen Bee, which held its regional competition on May 28. This competition, run by the Texas Department of Education, aims to educate kids on politics and law and reward those who excel in that information. Junior Noah Corbitt did just that, getting 54 of the 62 written questions correct and three out of four oral questions right to win the regional competition, paving the way for his appearance at state on April 16.

“It’s important that kids learn these things in school,” state education commissioner Mike Morath said. “We want to provide an incentive to those willing to learn to make sure they are prepared to go into a life where politics and law become an everyday thing.”

Seven students represented the high school at regionals, which included 30 students from various schools across the Metroplex. For his win, Corbitt received a $75 Amazon gift card and the chance to win much bigger scholarships in Austin.

“It’s definitely a big thing for him and this school,” social studies teacher and Citizen Bee team sponsor Beverly Smith said. “This is the first time we’ve had this kind of success at the competition, and it’s a big deal when you get to state for anything. Even more impressive is that Noah hasn’t been in AP Government yet, meaning he did this off his own abilities.”

Since the state competition’s date, April 16, coincides with prom, Corbitt had his hands full weighing the pros and cons of a chance at thousands of dollars in scholarships or the premier event of the school year.

“I know prom is a big deal, but state is a chance to make money instead of spending so much of it on prom night,” Corbitt said. “I’m still a junior, so I can make it to senior prom and still enjoy the event while taking advantage of the chance I have now.”