Opelika, AL – (May 1, 2026) The Opelika Chamber proudly hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee Local Competition on Monday, April 28, welcoming the top 20 student finalists, along with parents, educators, and community leaders, for an inspiring day of civic engagement and youth leadership.
This event marked Alabama’s second year participating in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s National Civics Bee—a nationwide initiative designed to encourage middle school students to explore how government works, why civic participation matters, and how they can make a difference in their communities. The Opelika Chamber was honored to serve as one of the state’s inaugural local hosts.
The 20 finalists were selected through a competitive essay submission process, where students identified a local issue and proposed a civic-based solution. The live competition included three rounds: two sets of multiple-choice questions increasing in difficulty, followed by a live Q&A with judges for the top five finalists.
The event, hosted in partnership with the City of Opelika, was made possible by our Presidential Presenting Sponsor, Chattahoochee Valley Community College, which also addressed the students with remarks about the importance of civic involvement. Additional sponsors included Machen McChesney, Opelika Utilities, and Glenda Mitchell Law Firm.
The distinguished panel of judges leading the Q&A round included:
· Anna Hovey, President & CEO of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce
· Jackson Bonner, Department Chair for Social Sciences at Southern Union State Community College
· Denise Rogers, Court Administrator for the Opelika Municipal Court
· Todd Rauch, Opelika City Councilman, Ward 5
· Christian Staats, Director of Government Relations for Auburn University
Following Round III, Representative Jeremy Gray, Alabama State House District 83, delivered powerful closing remarks on Why Civics Knowledge is Relevant, emphasizing the role young citizens play in shaping a stronger democracy.
The event concluded with the announcement of the top three finalists:
· 1st Place: Jay Kim of Auburn Junior High School – Awarded $500
· 2nd Place: Emori Holifield of Opelika Middle School – Awarded $250
· 3rd Place: Luke Raiford of Opelika Middle School – Awarded $125
These three students will advance to the Alabama State Civics Bee Finals, scheduled for July 16, 2026, in Montgomery.
