MidWeek: National Civics Bee Hawaiʻi Engages Future Leaders

Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi is thrilled to announce the inaugural National Civics Bee Hawaiʻi, presented by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

This inspiring competition is designed to engage middle school students in civic issues that matter to them and their communities. Open to students grades 6-8 from across the state — whether they attend public, private or charter schools, or are homeschooled — this year’s event promises to be both educational and empowering.

The journey begins with an essay. Students are invited to craft a 600- to 750-word piece identifying a specific challenge in their community, propose potential solutions and outline partnerships that could help bring their vision to life. Essays should tie the student’s ideas to foundational civic principles and virtues. Topics could range from environmental sustainability to social justice, public health or youth engagement in governance.

“This provides a unique opportunity to inspire young leaders to think critically about issues affecting their communities while aligning with educational goals,” says Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO of Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi. “The future is in the hands, minds and hearts of our youth.”

Educators across the state are encouraged to incorporate National Civics Bee essay prompts into their classrooms to foster civic awareness and community involvement. Essays are due by 6:59 p.m. Feb. 4, and the students who turn in the top submissions will advance to the state finals in March, where they’ll answer civics questions from judges in front of a live audience at the state Capitol auditorium.

The state champion will receive $1,000, while the second- and third-place winners will get $500 and $250 respectively. The state champion will also win a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the fall 2025 National Civics Bee Championship. The national champion will win a $100,000 prize through a 529 college savings plan.

Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation, underscores the importance of the event: “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 Hawaiʻi is hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ nationalcivicsbeehi or email swibholm@cochawaii.org.

Don’t miss this chance to inspire the next generation of civic leaders — and perhaps witness the future of Hawaiʻi’s community leadership in action.

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