National Civics Bee® Local Partner
ABOUT THE BEE
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2025.
WHY CIVICS?
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber is participating in the National Civics Bee® because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in Missouri and celebrating our civic pride.
Local Competition on April 29, 2025
Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber Hosts National Civics Bee® for Pulaski County Middle Schoolers
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the 2025 National Civics Bee® in Pulaski County, Missouri, on April 29, 2025. This initiative, presented in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Seventeen local finalists advanced from the first-round civics essay competition to participate in the live event, which featured two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round. A distinguished panel of judges, Judge Kevin Hillman, Luge Hardmon, and COL James Scott evaluated the participants on their understanding of civic principles, the clarity and effectiveness of their responses, and their use of examples, evidence, and primary sources to support their answers. The judges were impressed by how well-prepared the finalists were, their thoughtful choice of topics, and their ability to confidently answer challenging questions.
The event, held at the Parker Educational Center in Waynesville, with David Lowe as the emcee. Awarded the top three finalists of the local competition: Brandon Bullard from Waynesville Middle School (1st place), Charlie Fan from Ladue Middle School (2nd place), and Grant Good from Waynesville Middle School (3rd place).
“This competition offers a wonderful opportunity for our middle school students to explore issues that matter to their communities, helping them understand the importance of civic engagement and responsible citizenship,” said Cecilia Murray, Executive Director of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to support young people as they discover their voices, build leadership skills, and take meaningful steps toward shaping a brighter future for us all.”
Hilary Crow, Vice President of Civics at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, stated, “We are facing a civics crisis in America. Surveys show that 70% of adults cannot pass a basic civics quiz, and 79% of eighth 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 engagement among young people and adults alike, inspiring the next generation to make a positive impact in their communities.”
Brandon Bullard, the first-place winner, shared, “My experience with the National Civics Bee was informative and brought insight into how my community functions. It also encouraged me to become involved with my community and educate myself on civics topics.” Brandon received $500 for placing first, the second-place winner received $250, and the third-place winner received $125 in cash prizes.
All three finalists will advance to the state competition, hosted by the University of Missouri’s Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy on August 6th in Columbia. They will compete for additional prizes and the chance to represent Missouri at the National Championship in Washington, D.C., this fall 2025. National prizes include a $100,000 529 college savings plan for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $15,000 for third place.
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce congratulates all participants and encourages Pulaski County students to apply for next year’s competition.
For more information about the National Civics Bee, visit: https://civics.uschamberfoundation.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 US
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact chamber@wsrchamber.com or call (573) 336-5121.
