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BUENA VISTA, Colorado – Middle school students from Buena Vista-area schools competed in the 2026 National Civics Bee® regional competition on April 26. The event was hosted by the League of Women Voters Chaffee County and Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Daniels Fund and the Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Students competed with their peers in a live quiz event and answered questions from judges to test their civics knowledge. The top three finalists from the Buena Vista competition will have the chance to participate in the state-level competition hosted by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce in Denver on July 24, 2026. The Colorado state champion will advance to the National Civics Bee® competition in Washington, D.C. in Fall 2026, to compete for the national title.
“We’re proud to continue working with our regional partners across Colorado, strengthening our shared commitment to fostering civic engagement for the next generation,” said Colorado Chamber Foundation Executive Director Rachel Beck. “Each regional civics bee showcases the growth of this program and the impressive level of knowledge demonstrated by students. By investing in civic education, we’re helping prepare young Coloradans to be informed, engaged participants in our democracy. Congratulations to this year’s regional finalists and we look forward to welcoming them to Denver to compete for the state title!”
“In current times, it is so important for students to engage in their community and understand how civics impacts our ever day life,” said Kathy Rutherford with the League of Women Voters Chaffee County. “The civics bee offers young people the opportunity to think critically on the topic of civics in their community hopefully inspiring future leaders across our state.”
“Civic engagement starts at home. When students see leadership in action in their own communities, it changes how they see their role in the world,” said Hanna Skandera, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund, founding partner of the National Civics Bee. “We’re proud to stand with our regional partners to inspire the next generation of informed, engaged leaders.”
Winners of the Buena Vista-area National Civics Bee® include:
- First place: Liam P., Darren Patterson Christian Academy
- Second place: Elsie R., Buena Vista Middle School
- Third place: Kaila D., Darren Patterson Christian Academy
The first-place winner of the local competition received a $500 cash prize and all three finalists are invited to participate in the statewide competition. The top three winners of the state competition will receive cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. The state champion will have the opportunity to compete in the national competition, which includes $100,000 for the first place winner, $25,000 for second place, and $15,000 for third place.
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The Colorado Chamber Foundation is a non-profit educational foundation whose purpose is to support programs, research, educational opportunities and other initiatives that encourage and enhance a healthy business climate. The organization works collaboratively in partnership with state business leaders to advance Colorado’s economy and local communities through forward-thinking solutions.
The Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce (BVCC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the business community. An accomplished Board of Directors guides the organization, with efforts carried out by a dedicated staff. BVCC is beginning to have member-driven committees that help to guide the Chamber’s goals and efforts.
The League of Women Voters of Chaffee County is a nonpartisan organization whose mission is to encourage informed and active participation in government, to increase understanding of major policy issues, and to influence public policy through education and advocacy.