News Summary
Neil Handa, a Henley Middle School student, won first place at the Virginia State Finals of the National Civics Bee. His victory secures a spot in the upcoming National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. The event encourages civic engagement among youth, with participants required to submit essays on community issues and engage in quiz competitions focused on civic knowledge. Other top competitors included Yousef Kiani and Arianna McBride, who placed second and third, respectively.
Crozet, Virginia – Neil Handa, a student from Henley Middle School, claimed first place at the 2025 National Civics Bee Virginia State Finals held on June 7 at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. His victory secures him a spot at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., scheduled for November 10-11, 2025.
In the highly competitive state finals, Yousef Kiani from J. Lupton Simpson Middle School in Leesburg finished in second place, while Arianna McBride from Andrew Lewis Middle School in Salem took third. The competition is designed to encourage young Americans to engage with civic issues and contribute to their communities.
The National Civics Bee is a nonpartisan initiative organized by The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, aimed at enhancing civic literacy and participation among middle school students in grades 6 through 8. To participate, students submitted essays identifying community issues and proposed solutions based on civic principles.
Competition Format
The state finals included three rounds of competition. The first two rounds consisted of live quiz events focused on questions related to the U.S. Constitution. Participants also presented summaries of their essays, followed by a question-and-answer session with judges to assess their knowledge and understanding of civics.
Importance of Civic Engagement
Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, underscored the significance of fostering civic engagement among youth, noting that competitions like the National Civics Bee play a vital role in this endeavor. The event serves as a launching pad for young people to develop a sense of responsibility toward their communities.
VA250 Initiatives and Support
The Commonwealth’s involvement in the National Civics Bee aligns with the VA250 initiatives spearheaded by Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera. The VA250 Education Steering Committee, in conjunction with the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission and the Virginia Department of Education, aims to celebrate democracy in preparation for America’s 250th anniversary. The state’s participation is expected to create a civics renaissance, bringing history to life for students across Virginia.
Advance to State Competition
Fourteen students advanced to the state competition after participating in local rounds organized by various regional chambers of commerce. Notably, Secretary Guidera and other dignitaries served as judges throughout the event, which also featured a portrayal of Thomas Jefferson by Kurt Smith as the event emcee.
Future Participation
Middle school students from public, private, charter, and homeschool settings are encouraged to apply for the 2026 National Civics Bee. The competition aims to foster civic education, leadership skills, public speaking, and critical thinking among participants, all while inspiring them to engage in their communities positively through informed civic engagement.
The National Civics Bee represents a commitment to cultivating a knowledgeable and active citizenry, equipping students with the tools they need to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: 2025 National Civics Bee Virginia State Finals
- Wikipedia: Civics
- Loudoun Now: Loudoun Student Places Second
- Google Search: National Civics Bee
- Roaoke Star: Roanoke Students Compete
- Google Scholar: Youth Civic Engagement
- WYDaily: Celebrate Prelude to Juneteenth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civic Engagement
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