Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Presents National Civics Bee® Local Finals
April 02, 2025
Anchorage, Alaska middle school students will test their civics knowledge on April 5th and compete for a chance at the national title.
ANCHORAGE, AK - The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, 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 competition in Anchorage will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.
Earlier this year, 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 distinguished panel of judges reviewed the essays, the top 15 students were selected to advance to local competition: an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge.
The Anchorage Chamber will host its local competition on Saturday April 5th, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium. The local finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $500 for the first-place student. Emcee Dan Newman, Anchorage Chamber Board Chairman and founder & CEO of Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals, will be joined by esteemed judges Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, Anchorage School District Superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt, as well as Commander of the 673d Mission Support Group at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Colonel Dustin H. Hansen to facilitate the competition.
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. Winners from the April 5th local competition will be invited to take part in the state finals later this spring. The first-place winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for prizes worth at least $50,000 during the national championship in the Fall of 2025.
“Supporting the National Civics Bee was an easy decision for our chamber!” said Kathleen McArdle, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce President/CEO. “We are excited to spotlight youth from across Southcentral as they flex their civic muscles during the local finals and develop core knowledge and skills to last a lifetime. I had a chance to review their essay topics, and these students demonstrate awareness and collaborative engagement in problem-solving. I invite the community in to observe this impressive group compete for the opportunity to advance to the state finals and a chance to be on the national stage.”
“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America. The National Civics Bee® provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
For more information on entering the National Civics Bee® in Alaska visit: https://www.anchoragechamber.org/national-civics-bee/ or nationalcivicsbee.org.
For interview requests or additional information, please contact info@anchoragechamber.org.
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About National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee®, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s The Civic Trust®, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee® helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state and local chambers across the country. The National Civics Bee® is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.
ANCHORAGE, AK - The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, 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 competition in Anchorage will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.
Earlier this year, 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 distinguished panel of judges reviewed the essays, the top 15 students were selected to advance to local competition: an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge.
The Anchorage Chamber will host its local competition on Saturday April 5th, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium. The local finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $500 for the first-place student. Emcee Dan Newman, Anchorage Chamber Board Chairman and founder & CEO of Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals, will be joined by esteemed judges Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, Anchorage School District Superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt, as well as Commander of the 673d Mission Support Group at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Colonel Dustin H. Hansen to facilitate the competition.
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. Winners from the April 5th local competition will be invited to take part in the state finals later this spring. The first-place winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for prizes worth at least $50,000 during the national championship in the Fall of 2025.
“Supporting the National Civics Bee was an easy decision for our chamber!” said Kathleen McArdle, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce President/CEO. “We are excited to spotlight youth from across Southcentral as they flex their civic muscles during the local finals and develop core knowledge and skills to last a lifetime. I had a chance to review their essay topics, and these students demonstrate awareness and collaborative engagement in problem-solving. I invite the community in to observe this impressive group compete for the opportunity to advance to the state finals and a chance to be on the national stage.”
“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America. The National Civics Bee® provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
For more information on entering the National Civics Bee® in Alaska visit: https://www.anchoragechamber.org/national-civics-bee/ or nationalcivicsbee.org.
For interview requests or additional information, please contact info@anchoragechamber.org.
##
About National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee®, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s The Civic Trust®, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee® helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state and local chambers across the country. The National Civics Bee® is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.
Contact:
Kathleen McArdle, President/CEO
info@anchoragechamber.org, (907) 272-2401
