Naperville Students Land the Black and Gold Bumblebee as Illinois’ Official State Bee
Naperville eighth-graders helped pass a bill making the black and gold bumblebee Illinois' official state bee. State lawmakers voted unanimously after students from 86 communities participated in a statewide survey.
Eighth-graders at Lincoln Junior High School in Naperville did more than complete a science project this year. They helped pass a bill naming the black and gold bumblebee the official state bee of Illinois.
State lawmakers voted unanimously this week to designate the bumblebee as the newest state symbol, according to the Daily Herald. The bill still requires a signature from the governor to become law.
A classroom project that reached Springfield
The idea started in the science classroom of Barb Bell, a Lincoln Junior High teacher. Bell said she heard community members talking about the need for a state bee and reached out to Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, a Naperville Democrat, about turning the conversation into legislation.
Bell and fellow science teacher Emily Barlog assigned their 280 eighth-grade students to research Illinois’ 10 native bee species. The class narrowed the field to three finalists: the black and gold bumblebee, the bicolored sweat bee, and the American bumblebee.
Students then conducted a statewide survey. Pupils from 86 Illinois communities participated in voting for their preferred state bee. The black and gold bumblebee won.
“It’s really exciting to see that the students’ voices make such a huge impact across the entire state of Illinois,” Bell said.
Students testify on the floor
Three Lincoln Junior High students traveled to Springfield to testify in support of the bill: Liza DiSanto, Sofia Nicoloudes, and Ahanna Patel. The trio presented information on the importance of pollinators and the case for the black and gold bumblebee.
“It’s the highlight of my summer seeing how well all of our work we put in through the school year paid off,” DiSanto said.
Nicoloudes called the experience “amazing” and said she felt “extremely proud” of what she and her classmates accomplished.
Naperville lawmakers champion the bill
Sen. Laura Ellman, a Naperville Democrat, carried the bill through the Illinois Senate. Yang Rohr worked on the House side.
“These students have not only learned about the science of pollinators but also the civics of how an idea becomes a law,” Yang Rohr said. “Their education has moved beyond the classroom, and they can see their efforts affect real change.”
The black and gold joins Illinois’ roster of symbols
The bumblebee would become Illinois’ 21st official state symbol. It joins symbols that include the square dance as the official state dance, sweet corn as the state vegetable, and the gold rush apple as the state fruit.
If the governor signs the bill, Naperville students will have put their mark on state history.