Lisa Coons Superintendent of Public Instruction | Virginia Department Of Education
Neil Handa, a student from Henley Middle School in Crozet, Virginia, emerged as the first-place winner at the 2025 National Civics Bee Virginia State Finals. The event was hosted by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation on June 7. Handa will advance to compete at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., scheduled for November 10-11, 2025. Yousef Kiani from J. Lupton Simpson Middle School in Leesburg took second place, while Arianna McBride from Andrew Lewis Middle School in Salem secured third place.
The National Civics Bee is an annual competition aimed at encouraging young Americans to engage with civics and contribute to their communities. This initiative by The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation focuses on enhancing civic literacy and participation among middle school students across participating states.
Participants in the competition submitted essays addressing community issues and proposed solutions based on civic principles. During the state finals, students engaged in three rounds of competition, including live quiz events on the U.S. Constitution and essay presentations followed by questions from judges.
Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, remarked: “It’s incredibly heartening to see young people embrace their responsibility to be civically engaged.” He emphasized that Neil Handa and his fellow competitors set an inspiring example for active citizenship.
Virginia's involvement in the National Civics Bee aligns with initiatives led by Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera under the VA250 Education Steering Committee. These efforts aim to promote history education and civic engagement leading up to America’s 250th anniversary.
Senator Mamie Locke, Vice Chair of the VA250 Commission, stated: “This event exemplifies the spirit of VA250 – educating, engaging, and inspiring the next generation.”
Fourteen students advanced to this stage after competing in regional competitions organized by various local chambers of commerce throughout April.
Secretary Guidera expressed pride in these students’ enthusiasm for civics: “These students bring... enthusiasm for civics and civic mindedness.” She served as a judge alongside Cathie Vick from the Virginia Chamber and Rachel Williams from John Marshall Center for Constitutional History and Civics.
Middle school students are invited to apply for next year’s National Civics Bee using available resources.
The Virginia Department of Education supports these efforts through its History and Social Science Program aligned with strategic priorities focusing on comprehensive historical understanding.
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation preserves historical sites offering educational experiences related to American Revolution history while supporting active citizenship through various programs funded by philanthropic support and operational revenue.
VA250 Commission commemorates America's founding anniversary inviting citizens nationwide to reconnect with foundational ideals originating significantly within Virginia's history.
The Civic Trust aims at prioritizing civics nationally through educational initiatives promoting civic knowledge across different sectors while partnering with entities like U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation which seeks solutions benefiting communities domestically and globally.
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