Sarpy County Chamber Announces Top 20 Finalists for National Civics Bee Regional Competition

Sarpy County Chamber Announces Top 20 Finalists for National Civics Bee Regional Competition

Sarpy County, NE— The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the Top 20 finalists for the 2026 National Civics Bee Regional Competition. The National Civics Bee is designed to encourage middle school students to engage in civics, contribute to their communities and build a strong foundation for future civic leadership. Finalists were selected through an essay-based application process that highlighted their understanding of civic engagement and ideas for improving their communities.

2026 Regional Finalists

• Alex B. M.—Bluestem Middle—Grade 7
• Angel C. M.—Bluestem Middle—Grade 8
• Haleema H.—Beveridge Middle—Grade 8
• Hennley H.—Ashland Greenwood Middle—Grade 7
• Jerzie H.—Buffett Middle—Grade 6
• Ryker H.—Elmwood-Murdock Public—Grade 8
• Matthew K.—Hale Middle—Grade 8
• Nolan K.—Mary Our Queen—Grade 8
• Preeti K.—Elkhorn Ridge Middle—Grade 6
• Xi L.—Elkhorn Ridge Middle—Grade 8
• Caetano M.—Elkhorn Ridge Middle—Grade 8
• Isabelle M.—Mary Our Queen—Grade 8
• Jade M.—Ashland Greenwood Middle—Grade 7
• Anna P.—Mary Our Queen—Grade 8
• Emily R.—McMillan Middle—Grade 8
• Viviana R. P.—Birchcrest Elementary—Grade 6
• Sylvia S.—Beveridge Middle—Grade 7
• Olivia V.—King Science & Technology Middle—Grade 7
• Savannah W.—Beadle Middle—Grade 8
• Whitney W.—King Science & Technology Middle—Grade 6

During the live competition, finalists will participate in three rounds of civic-based challenges. In the first two rounds, students will answer quiz questions focused on civic knowledge. The five finalists with the highest cumulative scores at the end of round two will advance to the final round.

In round three, each of the top five finalists will present a three-sentence summary of their application essay. Following their presentations, finalists will participate in a live question-and-answer session with event judges, with up to three minutes allotted per question. The top three finalists from the regional competition will advance to the state-level competition.

"We are excited to welcome these outstanding students to the regional competition," said Karen Gibler, President of the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. "The National Civics Bee provides a meaningful opportunity for young individuals to demonstrate their knowledge, share their ideas and develop skills needed to become engaged community leaders."

The Sarpy County Chamber encourages community members, families and local leaders to attend and support these students as they showcase their civic knowledge and community-focused ideas.

Event Details

National Civics Bee Regional Competition
Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Papillion Landing

For more information, visit www.sarpychamber.org/national-civics-bee or contact the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce at 402-339-3050.