The Greater Fayetteville Chamber hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee in Fayetteville, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee is an annual nonpartisan civics competition for middle schoolers that increases civic knowledge, skills and disposition among young Americans, their families, and communities.
The regional competition took place on Friday, May 15 at the Fayetteville Technical Community College Horace Sisk Gymnasium, bringing together outstanding middle school students from across the region to demonstrate their knowledge of civics, government, and community engagement. The competition was sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Yellow Crayons, the Trophy House and FTCC.
Students across the country submitted essays on issues in their communities, which were then reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges. Top students were selected to compete in the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s Regional Competition: an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics quiz questions followed by a Q&A in which students discussed their proposals for improving their communities.
Callie Tisdale, an 8th grader at Fayetteville Academy, took first place, followed by Gisela Momodu, also an 8th grader at Fayetteville Academy and Rebekah Starling, a 7th grader at Village Christian Academy, for second and third places, respectively. The judges for this year’s competition were Susan Dees from Cape Fear Valley Health, Emmanuel Emekaekwue from First Command, Anastasia “AJ” Jennings from Firsthealth of the Carolinas, Linda McAlister of Up & Coming Weekly, Anna Deaton Ricuard of The Crown Complex, Jackson Spears of Holmes Security Systems and Toni Wildhaber of the United Way of Cumberland County.
The top three finalists impressed the judges with their essay topics ranging from human trafficking, walkable communities and controlling litter.
“Seeing the immense talent, critical thinking and community-minded solutions presented by these outstanding middle school students was incredibly inspiring,” said Nat Robertson, president and CEO of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. “We were honored to host our region’s National Civics Bee competition and proud of our top finalists as they prepare to represent our community at the state championship. Elevating civic education is vital for our future and these young leaders have proven that Fayetteville's tomorrow is in very capable hands.”
The first-place winner received a $500 cash prize, a trophy and a personal tablet and will advance to the state competition with other top finalists. Second and third place winners won trophies and personal tablets along with $250 and $125 cash prizes, respectively. The three finalists will advance to the North Carolina State Finals, which will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, at NC State University's James B. Hunt Jr. Library, Duke Energy Hall, Rooms 2011A-D, located at 1070 Partners Way in Raleigh, NC.
During the State Finals, students will compete for prizes and the first-place winner will advance to the National Civics Bee National Championship in Washington, D.C. in Fall 2026 for the chance to win cash prizes, national recognition and a $100,000 529 education savings plan contribution. Thanks to the generous support of the Fisher Global Foundation, the first-place winner in each state may also secure a $5,000 donation for their school.
“Each year, the National Civics Bee reminds us how much promise and talent exists in communities across the country. Students step up with thoughtful solutions, bold ideas, and a willingness to participate—exactly the qualities our democracy and workforce need. We’re proud to support a program that strengthens civic knowledge and skills for all young people and helps build the foundation for a stronger future,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
This year’s regional competitors also included Avital A. from John R. Griffin Middle School; Anay A. from Rea Farms STEAM Academy; Advik A., Sebastian F., Saavi K., Marjorie V. and Callaghan Y. from Fayetteville Academy; Aarav M. and Mridul T. from Union Day School; Abigail M. and Maia S. from Overhills Middle School; Smriti P. from Rea Farms STEAM Academy; Donald R. from Village Christian Academy; Demi O. from John R. Griffin Middle School; and Henry R. from Moore Montessori Community School.
For more information about entering the National Civics Bee, visit nationalcivicsbee.org.

(Photo: Gisela Momodu, left, took second place in the regional Civics Bee. Callie Tisdale, center, took home the top prize and Rebekah Starling, right, rounded out the top three. The winners took home trophies and prize money, and advanced to the North Carolina State Finals to be held in June. Photo courtesy of Greater Fayetteville Chamber.)