Hoosier State Today

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Department of Education hosted the inaugural state Civics Bee on Friday at the Indiana Statehouse. Middle school students from grades 6 to 8 participated in live quiz rounds to test their civics knowledge and gave presentations on community issues before a panel of judges.

The event is part of the National Civics Bee organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Ellie Fost from Richmond Friends School in Wayne County was declared the winner. Her presentation focused on mental health support, an issue she said she has experienced firsthand. Fost received $1,000 and will represent Indiana in the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., on November 12.

Fiona Steuer from Willowcreek Middle School in Portage won second place and $750 for her speech about equal pay for women, citing disparities in her community. Hunter Reed from Delta Middle School in Muncie secured third place and $500 with his presentation advocating for the elimination of corporate tax to spur economic growth.

All top three finishers were eighth graders when their journey began earlier this year with initial contests held in partnership with local chambers across the state. These events produced nearly 20 participants who competed for the state title.

The goal of this year's National Civics Bee is to encourage more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. This aim aligns with the Indiana Chamber's long-range visioning plan, Indiana Prosperity 2035, as noted by its president and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders during her opening remarks at the event.

Sinders stated, “The Indiana Chamber believes this event can be part of inspiring a new generation. We want to spread the message to all young Hoosiers that it’s cool and rewarding to be involved in your community and make a difference in that way. I encourage the students who took part in this competition at the local and state level – and all middle schoolers – to find their own path of how they can be impactful and serve.”

One judge for the state Civics Bee was Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education.

“In Indiana, we have placed a significant focus on preparing students to serve as proactive, engaged contributors to society,” Jenner said. “This includes ensuring every sixth grade student completes a civics course, elevating civic literacy as a skill of an Indiana Graduate Prepared to Succeed, as well as providing increased opportunities for students to engage in service-based learning or take part in high-quality civic literacy programs."

Jenner continued, “To encourage civic engagement, it is essential that more young people have access to learning opportunities – such as the Civics Bee – which help build their knowledge and skills and empower them to make a difference. Our students’ passion and commitment to addressing real issues in our communities was on full display at this event, and I’m excited to see how these young Hoosiers will continue to positively shape our state and our nation.”

Other judges included Charles Dunlap, president and CEO of the Indiana Bar Foundation; Charles Hyde, president and CEO of Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.

Sponsors for the event included The Indiana Bar Foundation; Kroger Gardis & Regas; Indiana University Center on Representative Government.