Hastings loves soaking up new information, especially when it comes to civics. “It's very interesting and something people probably should learn," she said.
Liv Hastings celebrating her second-place finish with her parents, Travis and Claire Hastings.
When she decided to enter the Civics Bee, she knew preparation was key. She turned to resources like Khan Academy, using their AI tutor to sharpen her skills, especially for those challenging essay questions. Throughout the competition's three rounds — featuring essays and multiple-choice segments — Hastings approached each challenge with confidence.
Her hard work paid off as she finished with a second-place victory that left her with more than just a trophy and a check. "The biggest reward was the sense of accomplishment and pride," she remarked.
Liv Hastings shows off her award with Carrie Geitner, Mountain View Academy Board President.
She’s now focused on her next challenge – the Colorado State Finals on May 17 in Denver. “Try your best and train,” she advised fellow competitors. “Learn what you can about the subjects before going in and practice a lot, so you're prepared.”
Skills like these have helped Hastings and the rest of the students at Mountain View Academy outperform the local district for the last two years.
Liv Hastings with former Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers.
Supported by her friends, family, and the Mountain View Academy community, Hastings is hoping to do well in the state finals in May and potentially advance to the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., this November.
Great job, Liv! We’re all cheering for you!
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About Mountain View Academy
Mountain View Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Colorado Springs, Colorado, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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