FLORENCE – On Saturday, April 26, the Shoals Chamber of Commerce hosted the inaugural 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 inspired 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.
Congratulations to the National Civics Bee® NW Alabama Regional Champions!
First-place winner, Carson Kelly
Second-place winner, Ava Parker
Third-place winner, Abby Hinton
Nine middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades tested their civics knowledge at the regional competition: an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round. The regional champions received various prizes, including $500 for the first-place, $250 for second-place and $125 for third-place, as well as, all nine finalists received an Onn tablet.
Congratulations to all of the Regional Finalists who competed: Lucy Avery, Gracie Gargis, Abby Hinton, Carson Kelly, Anna Collins Karr, Ava Parker, Molly Ramseyer, Megan Sharp and Shelby Schurfeld. While the bee was open to all students across northwest Alabama, this first year, all finalist were from Covenant Christian School. Thank you Covenant for doing a great job recruiting participants and emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.
The top three winners now 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, November 10 & 11, 2025. The first-place winner at the national championship will win a $100,000 529 plan scholarship, among other prizes! Second and third-place winners receive $50,000 and $25,000 cash prizes, respectively.
Participants in the National Civics Bee® 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 for the middle school students who participated and especially for the three top winners. Their knowledge of civics and interest in engaging in their communities at this age indicates that northwest Alabama has a bright future ahead. We wish them all good luck and great success wherever their paths take them.”
Media Release/Stephanie Newland/Shoals Chamber
