FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — An Okaloosa County eighth grader will represent Florida at the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C., after winning both local and state competitions.
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Noah Finkler, a student at Destin Middle School, took first place in the Florida State Civics Bee Finals held at Florida State University. The win earned him a $1,000 prize and a spot in the national championship this November.
Noah’s journey began in March when he won the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural local Civics Bee. That competition, a partnership with the Okaloosa County School District, marked Florida’s first local event tied to the national initiative. Noah won $500 for his first-place finish.
“One of the greatest parts of our Chamber’s mission is offering our community unique and meaningful opportunities, whether hosting Honoring Our Heroes events or sponsoring a parade, it’s just what we do,” said Ted Corcoran, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.
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“When we first heard about the National Civics Bee through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we knew we wanted to be the first Chamber in Florida to bring the program to life in Okaloosa County,” he continued.
“Our local March 2025 event was historic, and now, to see our winner crowned the Florida State Champion is simply incredible. We’re already excited to start planning next year’s event. Good luck, Noah, all of Okaloosa County is cheering you on!”
The event’s local success was made possible by sponsors including Eglin Federal Credit Union, Cox, Chesser & Barr, P.A., Sport Clips Haircuts of Fort Walton Beach, and Zaxby’s.
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The National Civics Bee is an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that promotes civic engagement among middle school students. The program is designed to increase civic literacy and leadership through competition and community involvement.
