Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) is excited to announce the winners of the National Civics Bee ® Local Competition. This was the only local competition in the state of North Dakota, and 20 middle school students from across western North Dakota showed their skills at the Aleshire Theater inside Minot State University's Hartnett Hall on April 11 to see who would move on to the state competition, and ultimately nationals. 

The National Civics Bee® is an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. This competition’s goal is to inspire students to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions. MACEDC was proud to see so many students exploring ways that they can learn about civics, apply their ideas, and encourage growth in their local areas. 

Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools across the state were invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition, where they submitted a 750-word essay on their ideas for improving their community. Submissions for the first round were collected over late 2024 and early 2025, where a distinguished panel of judges then reviewed the essays, and the top 20 students were selected to advance.  

The local competition was an in-person, live event that included two rounds of civics questions, followed by a Q&A round featuring MACEDC President | CEO Brekka Kramer, Ward County Commissioner Jason Olson, and Minot City Council President Lisa Olson as judges to test the students’ knowledge of civics. Everyone in attendance was encouraged to put their skills to the test, as an online link was made available so the audience could play along and test their own civics wisdom. The competition was close, with all the students absolutely blowing away the judges and audience with their knowledge, but those who took the top three spots were: 1st Place – Clara Z. from Erik Ramstad Middle School in Minot, 2nd Place – Ayden H. from Central Middle School in Minot, and 3rd Place – MacKayla C. from Williston Middle School Central Campus in Williston. 

The top 10 Winners from this local competition were: Madilyn A. – Our Redeemers Christian School, Minot, MacKayla C. – Williston Middle School Central Campus, Victor C. – Williston Middle School Central Campus,   Ava H. – Central Middle School, Minot, Ayden H. – Central Middle School, Minot, Kearny L. – Central Middle School, Minot, Kesli L. – Williston Middle School Central Campus, Grady M. – Central Middle School, Minot, Everett S. – Drake Anamoose, and Clara Z. – Erik Ramstad Middle School, Minot, and each are excited to advance to the state level where they will compete in a 3-round event similar to Minot’s local competition on July 11 in Bismarck, North Dakota. The State Champion will advance to the National Championship in Washington D.C. for a chance to win a $100,000 529 Plan for 1st place, plus other prizes for 2nd and 3rd place.

“It’s encouraging to see so many thoughtful young people finding new ways that they can positively impact their friends and neighbors,” said Jason Olson, Ward County Commissioner and MACEDC Board Member. “Sometimes we need to take a step back and explore other points of view when it comes to problem solving, and seeing these middle schoolers getting involved and providing different perspectives is a great way to think outside the box while supporting them as the future of our communities.” 

MACEDC believes 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 facilitating the National Civics Bee competition, MACEDC further encourages greater civic knowledge in North Dakota and continues to celebrate civic pride. 

“We’re incredibly excited about the opportunities for growth of the National Civics Bee in the Minot area,“ explained MACEDC Board Chair Ryan Ackerman. “As the only location in North Dakota to hold a local competition, it’s clear that our youth have ideas and passion for their communities. I’m excited to see how it continues to grow, and I’m grateful for the hard work the Minot Area Chamber EDC team has put in to making such a great event possible in our region.” 

For additional details or photos, check out the news story on minotchamberedc.com or contact MACEDC by calling 701-852-6000 or emailing minot@minotchamberedc.com.