ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. — A spirit of civic pride and youthful ambition filled the room at St. Mary’s College of Maryland on March 28 as local students took center stage for the National Civics Bee, showcasing their knowledge of government, community engagement and the role they play in shaping the future.
Hosted by the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce, the competition brought together middle school students from across the county for a day focused on critical thinking, public speaking and civic awareness.
Top Students Recognized
At the conclusion of the competition, three students emerged as top winners:
- First Place: Harper Connelly, Margaret Brent Middle School
- Second Place: Faith Redmond, Leonardtown Middle School
- Third Place: Reagan Tomaszek, Cardinal Hickey Academy
The winners demonstrated not only a strong understanding of civics, but also the confidence and communication skills needed to present their ideas effectively.
Building The Next Generation Of Leaders
Organizers emphasized that the Civics Bee is about more than competition—it’s about empowering young people to become active, informed participants in their communities.
“We were proud to bring the National Civics Bee to St. Mary’s County because we believe informed and engaged citizens are the foundation of a strong community and economy,” said Kabir Bains-Shepard, Chamber administrator. “This program gave our students a meaningful opportunity to build civic knowledge, develop confidence, and take an active role in shaping the future of their communities.”
The event is part of a broader national initiative designed to inspire middle school students to deepen their understanding of civics and develop a lifelong commitment to community involvement.
What Comes Next
According to the National Civics Bee structure, following the local competition, top students typically advance to the state-level Civics Bee, where they compete against other regional winners from across Maryland in June and July. From there, state champions have the opportunity to move on to the National Civics Bee Championship.
Finalists who advance to the national stage will travel to Washington, D.C., where they will compete against top students from across the country in a multi-round competition testing their civic knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The national championship also offers students the chance to engage with leaders and institutions at the heart of American government, further deepening their understanding of civic life.
A Community Investment In Civic Engagement
The March 28 event highlighted the importance of local partnerships in fostering educational opportunities. By hosting the Civics Bee, the Chamber of Commerce continues its mission to support workforce development and community engagement, beginning with the county’s youngest residents.
As these students move forward, potentially advancing to higher levels of competition, they carry with them not only awards, but a deeper understanding of their role in civic life. This achievement wouldn’t be made possible without the support and encouragement of teachers, parents and mentors who helped guide, inspire and prepare them for this moment.
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