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East Greenwich honors state Civics Bee top finishers; first-place student to compete in Washington
Summary
The East Greenwich Town Council presented commendations to the top three finishers in the Rhode Island state finals of the US Chamber Foundation Civics Bee and heard from the East Greenwich Chamber about expanding the program; first-place finisher Caroline Colligan will represent Rhode Island in Washington, D.C.
The East Greenwich Town Council opened its meeting by recognizing the winners of the first annual Rhode Island state finals of the US Chamber Foundation’s National Civics Bee, held in June at the Swift Community Center. Council President Mark Schwager moved to approve town commendations for the top three finishers; the motion passed, and the students came forward to receive awards.
Steve Lombardi, executive director of the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, which brought the competition to the state, congratulated the students and described plans for a second annual event. "We're really proud of, Caroline, Aileen, and Max," Lombardi said, noting East Greenwich was the only chamber in Rhode Island to run the program and one of the few in New England. He told the council the 2026 state contest will be at the Swift Center on June 16, 2026.
The council read brief summaries of each finalist’s competition project. Third-place finisher Maxwell Kelly (Cole Middle School) focused on improving food security by strengthening local food-bank distribution. Second-place finisher Aileen Block (Our Lady of Mercy) recommended monthly cleanups of neglected local historic cemeteries with help from scouting groups and town officials. First-place finisher Caroline Colligan (Our Lady of Mercy) argued that longer lunch periods would improve students’ physical and mental health; Schwager noted Caroline will travel to Washington, D.C., in early November to represent Rhode Island at the national competition.
Why it matters: The council framed the ceremony as both a local recognition and a broader push to expand civics education. Lombardi told the council the Chamber hopes to continue and grow the program locally, and the town will present commendations and public support while the student advances to the national stage.
The council took no formal policy action related to the Civics Bee beyond the commendations.
