MEDIA ADVISORY: 2026 National Civics Bee (Photo) - 04/06/26
EVENT PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2026
MEDIA ADVISORY: Civics Bee
WHAT: 2026 National Civics Bee- Southwest Washington Regional Competition
WHEN: Monday, April 20, 2026
TIME: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
WHERE: Kiggins Theatre (1011 Main St. Vancouver, WA 98660)
OVERVIEW:
The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and presenting sponsor OnPoint Community Credit Union, proudly hosts the 2026 National Civics Bee® – Southwest Washington Regional Competition.
This high-energy, fast-paced competition brings together 20 outstanding middle school students from Battle Ground, Camas, Evergreen, and Vancouver school districts, along with homeschool programs. Each finalist earned their place by excelling in a competitive essay round and will now take the stage to test their knowledge of U.S. government, history, and civic engagement.
Thanks to our Civics Bee Technology Sponsor, Sigma Design, each finalist will be gifted their very own tablet for use in the live quiz and to support their ongoing educational journey.
Participants will compete for top honors and the opportunity to advance to the state-level competition, taking one step closer to the National Civics Bee® Championship.
Judges include:
- Trang K. Lam – Executive Director, Port of Camas-Washougal
- Ethan T. Perry – Executive Director, Port of Ridgefield
- Nelson Holmberg - Chair, GVC's Government and Public Affairs Committee
WHY THIS MATTERS:
At a time when civic engagement is more important than ever, the National Civics Bee® equips students with the knowledge and confidence to become informed, active participants in their communities. This event highlights the importance of civic education while showcasing the next generation of leaders in Southwest Washington.
WHY COVER THIS EVENT:
- Visual, high-energy student competition in a historic theater setting
- Inspiring stories of local youth leadership and academic achievement
- Opportunity to interview students, judges, and community leaders
- Strong ties to civic education and community engagement
RSVP: To plan appropriately, please let us know if you will be able to attend as a media representative by emailing lsalmonte@vancouverusa.com.
PROGRAM LINK: Civics Bee
MEDIA ASSETS:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1at1LVQBboN2l22fBhIha14o-H6W4rfBq?usp=sharing
###
About the National Civics Bee
The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In the first round of the contest, local middle school students participate in an essay competition. Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in our local competition: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. The top three students from each local competition will advance to the state competition. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this competition was launched to tackle the lack of knowledge about history and civics among middle school students, exposed by new federal data on the Nation's Report Card. In 2022, the average civics score at eighth grade decreased by 2 points compared to 2018.
About the Greater Vancouver Chamber
SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for more than 135 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.
