On Friday, July 18, 2025, Alabama Chambers hosted the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Lucas G., Caroline R., and Rohan S. were the top three finalists of the National Civics Bee® Alabama Competition presented by Kinder Morgan, organized in partnership with The Civics Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The state competition followed 4 local competitions held earlier this year and hosted by the Opelika Chamber, Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Shoals Chamber and North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.
“Congratulations to Lucas from Enterprise, Alabama, on winning the inaugural Alabama State National Civics Bee! We also celebrate every finalist who earned their place in this remarkable competition. The future of our state is in great hands with such impressive middle schoolers leading the way. Best wishes to Lucas as he represents Alabama on the national stage!", said Alabama Chambers President and CEO, Paige Hutto.
Jason Isbell, head of Government Affairs and economic development for Regions Bank served as the competition’s emcee. Eight Finalists participated in the Alabama statewide competition held at Huntingdon College in Montgomery. The eight competitors were as follows: Olivia B., Auburn; Madison C., Gardendale; Zella C., Good Hope; Maxwell D., Tuscaloosa; Lucas G., Enterprise; Christa M., Woodville; Caroline R., Saraland; and Rohan S., Madison. The live competition featured two rounds of civics questions before the field was cut to the top 5 finalist. Those finalist presented a 3 minute defense of the essay they wrote on a civics issue within their community. Following the presentations, each student was asked questions by the panel of judges. The judges for this year's competition were: Nathan Lindsay, Deputy Chief of Staff For Governor Kay Ivey; Allen Fore, Vice President of Public Affairs for Kinder Morgan; and Clay Scofield, Executive Vice President of the Business Council of Alabama. The top three finalists impressed the judges with presentations covering topics, such as, local care and assistance for veterans, music and arts education funding issues, and awareness for urban heat islands (UHI).
"We are facing a civics crisis in America. Surveys show that 70% of adults cannot pass a basic civics quiz, and 79% of 8th graders fall below proficiency in civics. This threatens the strength, prosperity, and resilience of our nation. The National Civics Bee® is dedicated to enhancing civics knowledge, skills and disposition among young people and adults alike, inspiring the next generation to make a positive impact in their communities." said Hilary Crow, Vice President, Civics, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
“I am honored to be representing the state of Alabama at the National Civics Bee this fall in Washington DC. I would like to thank my civics teachers and school for making this possible and my family for supporting me through this journey. I look forward to continuing to share my platform of supporting our veterans, " shared state competition winner, Lucas G.
The finalists and top winners received various prizes, including $1000.00 for the first-place winner. The first-place winner of the statewide competition will also earn a trip to Washington D.C. to compete in the National Championship in November 2025. Prizes at the National Championship include a grand prize of a $100,000 529 plan for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $15,000 for third place.
Sponsors for the competition included Presenting sponsor Kinder Morgan as well as Huntingdon College, Alabama Power, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, Alabama Trucking Association, Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, and Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on the National Civics Bee®, visit: https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee/
