The Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) proudly hosted the National Civics Bee® Regional Competition on April 10, welcoming middle school students from across the Minot area to showcase their knowledge of civics and their passion for strengthening their communities.
The National Civics Bee is an annual nonpartisan civics competition for middle schoolers that increases civic knowledge among young Americans, their families, and communities. Earlier this year, students across the country submitted essays on issues affecting their communities. Eighteen Minot area students who submitted essays were selected to compete in MACEDC’s Regional Competition.
All 18 students participated in two rounds of civics quiz questions. Those with the highest scores at the conclusion of the quiz portion proceeded to a final Q&A round, during which they “pitched” their essay ideas to the audience and answered questions from a panel of judges that included Minot City Manager Tom Joyce, MACEDC President | CEO Brekka Kramer, and MACEDC Board Chair Jarid Lundeen.
Following that final round of competition, the top three students were announced:
1st Place: Chilaka Ugobi, 8th Grade, Our Redeemer’s Christian School
2nd Place: Summer Williamson, 8th Grade, Erik Ramstad Middle School
3rd Place: Elsa Brown, 8th Grade, Central Middle School
As the first-place winner, Ugobi received a $500 cash prize and will advance to the state competition. The top 10 finalists listed below also advance to the state round. The first-place winner at the state competition will earn a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship in the fall of 2026, where they can win a grand prize of a $100,000 contribution to a 529 savings plan.
The following students were named finalists:
- Elsa Brown, 7th Grade, Central Middle School
- Elira Cumani, 8th Grade, Bishop Ryan Catholic School
- Ethan Faaiuaso, 7th Grade, Central Middle School
- Madison Fricke, 8th Grade, Bishop Ryan Catholic School
- Hanley Grant, 8th Grade, Bishop Ryan Catholic School
- Emily Grotte, 7th Grade, Central Middle School
- Emaree Ruby, 8th Grade, Bishop Ryan Catholic School
- Jackson Thompson, 8th Grade, Bishop Ryan Catholic School
- Chilaka Ugobi, 8th Grade, Our Redeemer’s Christian School
- Summer Williamson, 8th Grade, Erik Ramstad Middle School
Following the event, all three local judges expressed their enthusiasm for the National Civics Bee Regional Competition and the students who competed.
“After seeing the talent and enthusiasm on display on Friday, it’s safe to say the future of the Minot area is in very good hands,” said Joyce. “Programs like the National Civics Bee help students understand how government works – and why their voices matter. I’m excited to see this program continue to grow and reach even more local students, teachers, and schools in the years ahead.”
"We were incredibly inspired by the level of knowledge these students brought to the stage, and even more so by their thoughtful, creative ideas for making their communities better,” Kramer said. “This event reminds us that strong communities are built by engaged, informed citizens who are ready to step up and lead. By participating in the National Civics Bee, these students are already contributing to a brighter future for Minot and our state.”
“What stood out most was the passion behind each student’s perspective,” Lundeen added. “These young leaders are already thinking critically about real-world challenges, and that kind of engagement is exactly what will help our community grow stronger for generations to come.”
For more information about the National Civics Bee or MACEDC’s programs, visit minotchamberedc.com or contact MACEDC at 701-852-6000.