Ohio Middle School Student Wins Prestigious 2025 National Civics Bee Championship

In a magnificent display of knowledge and civic engagement, Aarit Koul, a middle school student hailing from Jackson Township, Ohio, emerged victorious at the 2025 National Civics Bee. Organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the event aims to enhance civic literacy among young people across the country. This year’s competition marked a significant milestone, expanding the event to include participants from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and even American Samoa, further highlighting the event's commitment to inclusivity and education in civics.

In a rewarding culmination of rigorous competition, Aarit earned not just the title of champion but also the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and a substantial education savings prize of $100,000. The competition this year saw 39 other state champions who participated in intense rounds, putting to the test not only their textbook knowledge but also their ability to address complex real-world civic issues. Participants were tasked with developing solutions and proposing actionable ideas that could contribute to their communities, drawing the attention of a panel of esteemed judges and civic leaders.

The championship, held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington D.C., was emceed by the beloved television host Mario Lopez. The competition intensified as it neared the final rounds, culminating in a nail-biting head-to-head buzzer round. Aarit secured his national title by skillfully answering a critical question about the judicial powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution, showcasing both his understanding of foundational governance and his capability to communicate effectively under pressure.

The judging panel consisted of prominent figures such as Emma Bloomberg, CEO of Murmuration, and former Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater, bringing a wealth of experience and perspective to the judging process. Notably, Emily Brubaker, last year's inaugural champion, returned as a judge, reminiscing about her life-changing experience from the previous year. "Standing here as a judge feels surreal. The National Civics Bee changed my life; it showed me that young people don't have to wait to make a difference," she expressed, emphasizing the program's long-lasting impact.

Along with Aarit, the competition’s honors were shared with Barrett Hodorek from Warsaw, Indiana, and Maanha Nasir from Tacoma, Washington, who claimed respectively second and third place, along with education savings awards of $25,000 and $15,000. Their achievements underscore the urgency of civic education, especially in a time when surveys indicate that a staggering 60% of Americans cannot pass a basic civics test, stressing the need for initiatives like the National Civics Bee.

Reflecting on his experience, Aarit shared, "I've had so much fun seeing Washington and meeting other kids from around the country. Learning about civics has given me a voice and a belief that I can make a change on the issues I care about." His enthusiasm and commitment embody the spirit of the National Civics Bee, which is committed to fostering the next generation of informed and engaged citizens.

Looking toward the future, the U.S. Chamber Foundation has announced an ambitious expansion plan for the National Civics Bee. With the upcoming 2025-2026 competition cycle, students across the nation will have unprecedented access and opportunities to participate, culminating in a nationally televised championship in 2026, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary.

Hilary Crow, Vice President of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation, expressed excitement about this endeavor, stating, "For the first time, students in every corner of the country will have the chance to step onto the National Civics Bee stage. This expansion makes the National Civics Bee one of the nation’s largest and most inclusive civic education initiatives."

With applications now open for the 2026 National Civics Bee, interested students are encouraged to engage with this meaningful program that seeks to instill a pro-active civic mindset in the youth of America, preparing them to address future challenges with acumen and resolve.

To view highlights from the 2025 National Civics Bee Championship, including Aarit's triumphant moment, visit the event’s official website for more information.