CANTON, GA (April 24, 2025) – On Monday, April 21, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 National Civics Bee® in Cherokee County, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Austin B., Laqeet S., and Madison P., were named the top three finalists of the National Civics Bee in Cherokee County, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The judges for this year’s competition were Tori O’Bryant, Manager of Operations, Northside Hospital Cherokee; Michael Cicero, Partner, Taylor English Duma LLP; and Kryss Roch, Deputy Chief Assistant Solicitor-General, Cherokee County Office of Solicitor-General.
“This initiative was an excellent way for our future leaders to not only communicate their interest in civics but also share their knowledge”, commented Neil Blackman, Principal, Corblu Ecology Group, LLC, and 2025 Chamber Board Chair. “We are facing a civics crisis in America. Surveys show that 70% of adults cannot pass a basic civics quiz, and 79% of 8th 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 disposition among young people and adults alike, inspiring the next generation to make a positive impact in their communities.” said Hilary Crow, Vice President, Civics, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
To participate in the National Civics Bee®, students were required to submit a 750-word (max) essay focusing on a topic of interest or need in their community. After a distinguished panel of judges reviewed the essays, the top finalists were selected to advance to their local competition. Nine finalists participated in the Cherokee County competition, an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge. Students from communities where National Civics Bee® competitions were not being held were assigned to nearby counties by The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. First place winner Austin B. from Dean Rusk MS received a $500 cash prize and is advancing to the state competition. Laqeet S. from Mill Creek MS, and Madison P. from Trickum MS, second and third place winners respectively, will also compete in the state competition. The top state winners will receive various prizes with Georgia’s first-place winner earning a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship in the Fall of 2025. Prizes at the National Championship include a $100,000 529 plan for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $15,000 for third place.
The National Civics Bee® Georgia State Finals, hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, will be held June 27 at The Carter Center. For more information on the National Civics Bee®, visit: https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee/.
The mission of the Cherokee County Chamber, a Georgia Certified Chamber of Commerce, is to promote business to expand the economy and enrich the community. To learn more about the Chamber and its programs, visit CherokeeChamber.com.
About The National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee®, a program of The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 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.
Photo ID (Left to Right): Madison P., Third-Place Winner; Austin B., First-Place Winner; Laqeet S., Second-Place Winner.
