The Bala Cynwyd Middle School Citizenship Challenge Club recently placed second in the Rendell Center for Civics & Civic Engagement's 10th Annual Citizenship Challenge Essay Contest – a competition providing an opportunity for students to think critically and express themselves about a current issue facing our democracy. The contest is drawn from PA Civics standards relating to principles and documents of government; rights and responsibilities of citizens; and information on how government works.

This year's competition tasked teams with drafting a proposed amendment to the Constitution. Students were challenged to think about a right or freedom that they thought should be protected or if there were an existing part of the Constitution that needed be changed.

Bala Cynwyd's essay was selected as one of the top-ten entries amongst nearly 200 submissions from other classes throughout the five-county region, earning the Knights the chance to compete in the final round, which was held at the National Constitution Center on Thursday, January 12, 2023.

For the finals, the club crafted a script and choreographed a dance to demonstrate their civics knowledge to the distinguished panel of judges, including former Governor Ed Rendell and the Honorable Marjorie Rendell, who were so impressed, they deemed the Knights worthy of second place overall in the competition! For their efforts, the team was awarded a $500 check, which can be used toward a program that promotes civic learning and engagement in the student body.

Congratulations to all of the participating Knights and club sponsors Ann Friedlander and Michelle on this tremendous accomplishment!