Maine students were awarded more than $1,500 for their performances in the second annual New England Citizen Bee Championship held in Hartford, Conn., Saturday, June 29.

Commenting on the achievement, Maine’s Secretary of State Bill Diamond said this week, “Teachers and the volunteer officials tell us it is a great program. I’m always impressed by the students. They come from all over the state — 11 counties this year — they are very sharp. These students are willing to get involved and that’s a lesson for a lifetime.”

The Citizen Bee is an education project that teaches the important lessons of democracy, public participation and community involvement by encouraging students to be well-informed about the world around them.

More than 20 Maine high schools from Madawaska to York participated this year.

The New England winners from Maine were:

David Whelan of South Portland High School, who placed third in New England and was awarded $1,250.

Justin LaBerge, South Portland High School, placed fourth in New England, $800.

Corey Cass, Cony High School, New England finalist, $350.

Andrew Daughan, York High School, New England finalist, $850.

Christopher Prescott, York High School, New England finalist, $750.

Students who qualified for the New England championship, but chose not to participate included: Shawn Edgecomb of Limestone High School who won $125 in state competition; Tiffany Ginn, Limestone Community School, who won $600; and Erin Reeves, Lawrence High School, $350.