Middle school students shine in Florida’s first National Civics Bee

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Florida’s first-ever National Civics Bee took place on March 11 at Gregg Chapel Life Center, where middle school students from Okaloosa County showcased their knowledge of civics and community involvement.

Hosted by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Okaloosa County School District, the event featured students who submitted 500-word essays on civics topics relevant to their community. From more than 40 entries, judges selected 20 finalists, and 14 students advanced to the live competition.

Eglin Federal Credit Union sponsored the event, which included two rounds of 10 multiple-choice questions before narrowing the field to the top five finalists. Cox, the event’s technology sponsor, provided iPads for participants and allowed them to keep the devices.

A panel of judges, including representatives from Eglin Federal Credit Union, Cox, Sports Clips, Chesser & Barr, and Conexion, oversaw the competition.

Winners:

• First Place: Noah F., Destin Middle School — $500 and a trophy
• Second Place: Addisyn P., Northwest Florida Ballet Academie — $250 and a trophy
• Third Place: Arianna N., Northwest Florida Ballet Academie — $125 and a trophy

The top three winners will advance to the state finals in Tallahassee on May 31.

Ted Corcoran, President and CEO of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber, praised the students’ efforts, calling their essays and performances remarkable.

“Some questions stumped me, but these students excelled, making the competition intense. I’m thrilled to see how our winners perform at the state finals and nationals,” said Mr Corcoran.

The Chamber thanked its sponsors, judges, and the community for supporting the event.

For more information about the National Civics Bee and future initiatives, contact the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.