Middle school students tackle big issues in state finals of the National Civics Bee |
On Board Online • July 20, 2026
By Rick Karlin
Special Correspondent
What federal crime is named in Article III of the U.S. Constitution? What amendment to the Constitution triggered prohibition? Who administers the oath of allegiance to new American citizens?
If you said treason, the 18th amendment and judges (specifically, federal judges, immigration judges or other designated judges), you probably would have done well in the New York State final competition of the National Civics Bee.
Nine students in grades 6-8 from across New York came to the July 1 event in Albany after qualifying regionally.
Each student wrote a series of essays on a socially relevant topic of their choice. Examples of problems identified by the students included homelessness, excessive packaging and its impact on the environment and educational options for dyslexic students.
Sophie Smith, 14, who just completed eighth grade at Koda Middle School in the Shenendehowa Central School District in Saratoga County, wrote about the scarcity of sidewalks in some suburban areas. She got the idea when her younger brother began walking to school in their neighborhood, which lacks sidewalks.
"It's kind of nerve-wracking," she said.
Overseen by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by The Business Council of New York State, the competition aims to get middle school students involved in civics.
Much of the judging was based on the student's essays.
"It's really about how they are supporting their idea," said Elee Wolf, The Business Council's Director of Workforce Development & Education. In their essays, students explained how government, business or ordinary citizens could address the problems that they identified.
The students also had to perform well in two rounds of the question-and-answer quizzes that were part of the final competition. In addition, students discussed their research topics with judges.
Anika Das, 14, who just finished eighth grade at Eagle Hill Middle School in the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District, talked about her interest in the issue of childhood poverty, which she said spawns an array of problems.
"This crisis is urgent and deeply human," she told the judges.
Das ended up winning the state competition. She received a $1,000 check and will participate in the national contest in Washington, D.C. in October. The national winner will receive a $100,000 contribution to a 529 college savings plan.
Three regional chambers of commerce (the Greater Utica, Seneca County and Staten Island) participated in coordination with The Business Council.
Heather Mulligan, president and CEO of The Business Council, said she hopes to expand participation in the Civics Bee in coming years by reaching out to school boards and superintendents.
"We need to get everyone engaged in civics," Mulligan said.
Editor's note: NYSSBA's Leadership in Education Event in Albany on July 25 will include a presentation on the Civics Bee.