Neil Handa from Henley Middle School in Crozet, Va., was named the first-place winner at the 2025 National Civics Bee® Virginia State Finals competition. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation hosted the State Finals on June 7. Handa advances to compete against finalists from across the country at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., Nov. 10-11, 2025. Yousef Kiani from J. Lupton Simpson Middle School in Leesburg, Va. placed second and Arianna McBride from Andrew Lewis Middle School in Salem, Va. placed third.
The National Civics Bee® is an annual competition that inspires young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. This nonpartisan initiative of The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation enhances civic literacy, skills, and participation among students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades in participating states across the country.
To compete in the National Civics Bee® , middle school students submit an essay identifying issues within their community and solutions on how to solve them based on civic principles. During the state finals, the students participated in three rounds of competition, including two live quiz events with questions on the U.S. Constitution, presented a summary of their essays, and answered questions from judges to test their knowledge.
“It’s incredibly heartening to see young people embrace their responsibility to be civically engaged,” said Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “The example set by Neil and his fellow competitors here in Williamsburg, where the ideals that shaped American democracy were debated over 250 years ago, should inspire all of us to be more active and informed citizens.”
The Commonwealth’s involvement in the National Civics Bee® will be one of the many 2026 initiatives of the VA250 Education Steering Committee, led by Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera in partnership with the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) and the Virginia Department of Education. These initiatives are designed to bring history to life, spark a civics renaissance, and celebrate democracy in the months leading up to America’s 250th anniversary.
“This event exemplifies the spirit of VA250 – educating, engaging, and inspiring the next generation,” said Senator Mamie Locke, Vice Chair of the VA250 Commission. “This commemoration is as much about the future as it is about the past, and these students are shaping our future by demonstrating the knowledge, curiosity, and civic engagement our democracy requires.”
Fourteen students advanced to the state competition as the top finalists in Civics Bee competitions that were held in April by the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce, and the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
“We are so proud of the students who came together this weekend from across the state,” said Secretary Guidera. “These students bring to the state and national stage what Governor Youngkin’s history and social science standards bring to the classroom... enthusiasm for civics and civic mindedness, and the inspiration to be more engaged citizens.”
Secretary Guidera was a judge at this year’s state competition alongside Cathie Vick, President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber, and Rachel Williams, Civics Educator with the John Marshall Center for Constitutional History and Civics. Kurt Smith, who portrays Colonial Williamsburg Nation Builder Thomas Jefferson, served as emcee.
Middle School students from public, private, charter, and homeschools are invited to apply to the 2026 National Civics Bee® using the resources that will continue to populate here. Interested students are welcome to explore the 2025 Application Toolkit here.
About Colonial Williamsburg: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation preserves, restores and operates Virginia’s 18th-century capital of Williamsburg. Innovative and interactive experiences highlight the relevance of the American Revolution to contemporary life and the importance of an informed, active citizenry. The Colonial Williamsburg experience includes more than 600 restored or reconstructed original buildings, renowned museums of decorative arts and folk art, extensive educational outreach programs for students and teachers, lodging, culinary options from historic taverns to casual or elegant dining, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club featuring 36 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones and his son Rees Jones, a full-service spa and fitness center, pools, retail stores and gardens. Philanthropic support and revenue from admissions, products and hospitality operations sustain Colonial Williamsburg’s educational programs and preservation initiatives.
About the VA250 Commission: Established by the General Assembly in 2020, VA250 serves to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the nation across Virginia. From its founding ideals to its leading figures, more of what made America happen, happened in Virginia. As America prepares to mark 250 years of independence, VA250 invites you to come reconnect with your country in the place that made it possible. Join us at VA250.org
About The Civic Trust®: The Civic Trust® is a nonpartisan educational initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation focused on elevating civics as a national priority with programs that advance and promote civic knowledge in schools, workplaces, and communities.
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.
