On September 12, Lee University welcomed more than 115 high school students from across Tennessee to campus for the 15th annual Constitution Day Quiz Bowl. The event brought together 24 teams representing 12 schools, along with 22 parents and teachers, for a day of spirited competition and reflection on America’s constitutional tradition. This year’s championship trophy was awarded to a team from McCallie School of Chattanooga. 
 
The Quiz Bowl, hosted by Lee’s Center for Responsible Citizenship (CRC) and facilitated by the political science faculty, has become a signature event in the region. Its growth in popularity has led organizers to cap participation at 24 teams due to building and volunteer capacity. 
 
Approximately 70 Lee undergraduates volunteered to make the day possible. Students staffed competition rooms, served as team “mascots,” and offered encouragement and hospitality to participants.  
 
“It is so exciting to see the event growing and to see more and more participants every year,” said Kaitlyn Stoker, a senior political science major. “I think this event is so important because it allows for high school students to learn about the Constitution in a fun and engaging way.” 
 
Lee President Phil Cook welcomed competitors to campus, and Judge Curtis Collier, senior United States district judge for the eastern district of Tennessee, delivered opening remarks highlighting the essential role of civic education in sustaining American democracy. 
 
The day began with a short talk on responsible citizenship before moving into a full schedule of competition. The event concluded with the final round between the two top-scoring teams. 
 
“The Constitution Bowl is a great opportunity to see the importance of civic engagement in action,” said Claire Davis, a junior political science major. “This is my third-year volunteering for this event, and I am always blown away by the high schoolers’ dedication and knowledge of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and other various topics of civic life. It is inspiring to see young people so excited about their country and its inner workings.” 
 
More than just a single-day competition, the Constitution Day Quiz Bowl reflects the CRC’s broader mission to cultivate responsible citizenship and strengthen ties between Lee University and local schools. Many of the teachers who bring teams also participate in CRC programs such as the Founding Civics Institute and a monthly Civics Reading Group with Drs. Thomas Pope and Mark Scully. 
 
The Center for Responsible Citizenship at Lee University cultivates conversations about healthy community through a variety of holistic programming. The CRC encourages students to become responsible Christian citizens by engaging thoughtfully with their communities and traditions. The Center’s work is inspired by Dr. Peter Augustine Lawler’s legacy of fostering thoughtful Christian engagement in a complex world. 
 
For more information, or to partner with the CRC, please visit leeucrc.com.