Southwest Washington Crowns 2026 Civics Bee Champion At Regional Competition (Photo) - 04/21/26
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2026
SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON CROWNS 2026 CIVICS BEE CHAMPION AT REGIONAL COMPETITION
Top students advance to state finals after showcasing civic knowledge, leadership, and solutions for real-world challenges
VANCOUVER, Wash. — Eleven outstanding middle school students took the stage on Monday, April 20, competing for the title of Southwest Washington’s Civics Bee Champion during the regional competition hosted by the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and presenting sponsor OnPoint Community Credit Union.
Held at the historic Kiggins Theatre, the high-energy event featured finalists representing Battle Ground, Camas, Evergreen, and Vancouver school districts, along with homeschool programs. After a competitive and inspiring showcase, Calista Christiansen earned first place, taking home a $500 prize and the title of Southwest Washington Civics Bee Champion.
Modeled after traditional academic bees, the competition tested students’ knowledge across U.S. government, history, politics, and constitutional law. Audience members also joined in the excitement through a live, interactive trivia experience, creating an engaging and dynamic atmosphere.
Following two preliminary rounds of 10 questions each, the top five finalists advanced to a live interview segment. There, students presented their community improvement ideas and responded to questions from a distinguished panel of judges: Trang K. Lam, Executive Director, Port of Camas-Washougal; Ethan T. Perry, Executive Director, Port of Ridgefield; and Nelson Holmberg, Chair, GVC Government & Public Affairs Committee.
Students tackled pressing issues such as educational inequality, scams and fraud prevention, wildfire preparedness, healthcare access, and water pollution - demonstrating both critical thinking and a strong commitment to their communities.
Aaryana Kotwani placed second, earning a $250 prize, while Nirvan Kotwani took third place with a $125 award.
Thanks to Technology Sponsor Sigma Design, each finalist received a tablet to support both the live competition and their continued educational journey.
Next Stop: Statewide Competition in Olympia
The top three finalists will advance to the Washington State Civics Bee Finals, presented by the Association of Washington Business, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center at South Puget Sound Community College.
New this year, advancing students also bring opportunities back to their schools. If the local champion goes on to win at the state level, their school will receive a $5,000 donation.
State champions will earn a paid trip to Washington, D.C., to represent Washington at the National Civics Bee® Championship in Fall 2026.
Investing in Future Leaders
The National Civics Bee reflects the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s commitment to cultivating informed, engaged citizens who will help shape a stronger economy and community.
“By encouraging these middle schoolers, we’re investing in the future of our community,” said Janet Kenefsky, chief operating officer of the Chamber. “With a strong understanding of how our society works, they are better prepared to make a positive impact and help shape a brighter future.”
“At OnPoint we believe that investing in young people and elevating their voices, helps build stronger, more connected communities,” mentioned Amy Reeves, senior vice president/SW Washington regional manager at OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Supporting opportunities like the Civics Bee shows our future community leaders that their ideas matter and that we are all behind them”.
The 2026 National Civics Bee in Southwest Washington was presented by OnPoint Community Credit Union, with additional support from The Columbian, Greenhaven Landscapes, Desimone Consulting Group, Sigma Design, AAA Washington, the City of Battle Ground, and NW Natural.
For more information about the National Civics Bee, visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/civics-bee. Business leaders interested in sponsoring the 2027 event can contact the Chamber at Partnerships@VancouverUSA.com.
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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 over 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.
About OnPoint Community Credit Union
OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 645,000 members and with assets of $9.61 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and four Washington counties (Cowlitz, Clark, Lewis and Skamania). OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at OnPointCU.com.
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