Regional Industry & News

PITTSBURG, Kan. - (KOAM) - When Dareck Flores first took the online civics test in February, he didn't expect much. The rising junior at Pittsburg High School approached the qualifying exam for the U.S. Department of Education's Ultimate Civics Showdown with minimal preparation.

"I didn't really study that much because I was like, well, I'm not going to really pass," said Flores. "There's no reason to put a bunch of effort into it. And I don't think I did very well."

Despite his initial doubts, Flores advanced through the competition. He became one of four Kansans to reach the regional semifinals and ultimately one of 20 students selected nationwide to compete in the finals held in Washington D.C. The Ultimate Civics Showdown marked the Department of Education's first-ever competition of its kind, held in celebration of America 250.

Much of Flores' success came from the dedication of his teacher, Catherine Shrader. With limited experience teaching the American Revolution, Shrader committed to learning alongside her student, meeting with him after school several times a week to prepare for the competition.

"We honestly just learned together," said Shrader. "That's something that I kept telling the students. I don't know all the answers. You don't know all the answers. But we're going to figure it out together."

While Flores did not win the competition, the experience left a lasting impact on the student. As the son of Mexican immigrants, Flores said the opportunity gave him a deeper appreciation for his family's journey and the country they chose to call home.

"My dad and my mom came here with nothing," said Flores. "And because of that, I've been able to get a lot of new experiences like doing this. So I'm just very thankful to them and even though I didn't win, all of my family was very supportive of me and they said that in their mind they still think I won and they're all very proud of me."

Shrader expressed pride not only in her student's achievement but also in representing the Pittsburg community on a national stage.

"We're from small town Pittsburg, Kansas," said Shrader. "That's something that Mario Lopez said in the interview that he had with Dareck at finals in Washington, D.C. was he had never heard of Pittsburg, Kansas."

Looking ahead, Flores said he has aspirations of running for office one day. Shrader has already pledged her support, saying she will vote for him when that day comes.