THE SHOALS-The Shoals Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee® Regional Competition, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the regional competition in The Shoals will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American’s democratic republic form of government, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.
Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools were invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. After a nationwide panel of judges reviewed the essays, the top 10 students were selected to advance to the regional competition: an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge. The Shoals Chamber will host the regional competition on Saturday, March 15 at 1:00 p.m. at the Muscle Shoals City Hall (barring a severe weather postponement). The regional finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $500 for the first-place student!
Regional Finalists include: Lucy Avery, Lexi Carr, Gracie Gargis, Abby Hinton, Carson Kelly, Anna Collins Karr, Ava Parker, Molly Ramseyer, Megan Sharp and Shelby Schurfeld.
The top three winners at the regional level will advance to the National Civics Bee® Alabama State Finals on July 18 in Montgomery. More awards and prizes await them there, including $5,000 for the first-place winner, and an all expenses paid trip to the National Civics Bee® Championship in Washington, DC in Fall 2025. The first-place winner at the national championship will win a $100,000 529 plan scholarship, among other prizes!
Participants in the National Civics Bee® will have the chance to gain recognition for their civics knowledge and skills and compete for prestigious prizes throughout the competition. The competition enables students to explore issues that matter to their communities, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship.
Sam Mashburn, Director of Business Advocacy at the Shoals Chamber said, “We are excited to bring this opportunity to the middle school students across northwest Alabama. Civic knowledge and engagement are key to the long-term prosperity of the region. The earlier our students begin
understanding the important role they play in that process, the more our communities will benefit from their engagement in the future.”
The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the upcoming National Civics Bee® Regional Competition on March 15, at 1 p.m., at the Muscle Shoals City Hall.
Media Release/Stephanie Newland/Shoals Chamber of Commerce
