National Civics Bee | Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce

National Civics Bee® Regional Partner

Calling all middle school students!

Share your ideas and flex your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee®.

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 2027. Click here to view video.

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.

HOW TO ENTER

Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Missouri with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their application to participate in their state. All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, February 2, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaiian Standard Time. Visit www.nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources.

Students should review the Contest Rules below and then apply using the following link: 2027 National Civics Bee Application Link

RESOURCES/ADDITIONAL INFO:

LIVE EVENT INFO

April 27, 2027
6 p.m.
Parker Educational Center - 909 U.S. Rt. 66, Waynesville, MO 65584
Cash Prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $125 for third place will be awarded.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce at chamberdirector@wsrchamber.com or call 573-336-5121.

2026 Local Competition

Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber Hosts National Civics Bee® Regional Competition in Pulaski County, MO

The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee® Regional Competition in Pulaski County, Missouri, on April 28, 2026. 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.

Fifteen 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, City of St. Robert Mayor James Breckinridge, City of Waynesville Mayor Sean Wilson, and Meramec Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Bonnie Prigge 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 five finalists of the regional competition: Garry Chiang from McKinley Classical Leadership Academy (1st place), Anthony Ding from Rossman School (2nd place), Aiden Fulkerson from Waynesville Middle School (3rd place), Matthew Nehre from Gateway Science Academy (4th place) and Sophia Domina from Amelia V Carriel Jr. High School (5th 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.”

Garry Chiang, the first-place winner, shared, "The National Civics Bee Regional Competition was a great experience that taught me a lot about how the government works and what my rights and responsibilities as a citizen are. This competition has also helped me see how everyday citizens can make a positive impact on their community."

All five finalists will advance to the state competition, hosted by the University of Missouri’s Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy on July 15th in Columbia. They will compete for additional prizes and the chance to represent Missouri at the National Championship in Washington, D.C., the fall of 2026. Prizes include cash awards, trophies, recognition, and a $100,000 education savings plan contribution for the National Champion.

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.