Middle school students, do you think you have what it takes to make a difference in Winchester/ Clark County? Are you interested in writing an essay that identifies a community problem or opportunity? One that recognizes individuals to solve the problem and address the opportunity. Does the solution include the basic premise and principles of civic virtues? Would you like to have the chance to win up to $100,000? If so, participate in the 2025 National Civics Bee competition.

The National Civics Bee is a non-partisan event to empower middle school students, encourage civics knowledge, engage in their communities, contribute, and build trust. Students will improve their writing skills, public speaking abilities and become more concerned and involved citizens. All the information you need is available at www.Nationalcivicsbee.org. Included there you will find a student essay guide, an educator and parent guide, a student flyer, and a link for digital submission. 

The National Chamber of Commerce Foundation in cooperation with Civic Trust, the Daniels Fund, the Kentucky Chamber, the Winchester Chamber, and others are encouraging middle schoolers (public, private, homeschool, charter) to submit a 500 -750-word essay before February 4th, 2025. There are six local districts in Kentucky. Each of the local district winners will receive $500, 2nd $250 and 3rd $125. District winners will advance to the state finals in August at the Kentucky State Fair. There the winner will receive $1,000, 2nd $500 and 3rd $250. All state winners will participate in next year’s fall finals where 1st place is a $100,000 529 plan. Round one is the essay. Round two the local district will be held in Mason County; it consists of two rounds of civics questions and a Q& A round. The State finals is a live event of three rounds of civics questions. 

The Kentucky 2024 National Civics Bee winner was Ava June Tackett from Johnson County. She recently competed in the finals in Washington D. C on November 12th with students representing 27 states. This year’s National winner from more than 8,000 entries was an Alaska middle schooler, Emily Brubaker. You can view a replay of this amazing competition on the National Chamber’s You Tube channel.

Robert D. Campbell Principal, Tiffany Smith said “We take pride in celebrating our student’s accomplishments within our community, and having the opportunity to celebrate students on a national level would be amazing! Our students have what it takes to be competitive at a national level and I cannot wait to see where this opportunity will take them!” According to Baker Intermediate Principal, Josh Mounts, Civics education teaches students about their rights and responsibilities and creates citizens who contribute to a strong and healthy democracy. He is looking forward to the Civics Bee for the students.

While this is Winchester/ Clark Counties’ first effort to foster this exciting educational event we hope it is a huge success. In hopes of many local essays, local citizens are putting together a Clark County award competition. Clark County essays will be judged, and awards presented separately and apart from the Kentucky and National finalists. Details on this thrilling addition are still being worked out and will be announced when finalized.

The Winchester Clark County Chamber of Commerce is proud to support this initiative as another community activity that benefits everyone and involves Chamber members.