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Colorado Middle School Student Peter Daniell Wins National Civics Bee Championship

For media inquiries, please contact Ryan Hecht at [email protected]. 

Four individuals on stage hold a large purple check for $100,000 awarded to the 529 Plan as the 2026 National Civics Bee Champion, with balloons and confetti in the background.

Finalist Peter D. (2-L); celebrates the big check moment after winning the National Civics Bee Championship; beside President & CEO, Daniels Fund, Hanna Skandera Grady (L); U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation President Michael Carney (2-R); and show host Jerry O’Connell (R); at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC, USA, 14 October, 2026. Photo by Michael Reynolds / © U.S. Chamber of Commerce

DENVER – The Colorado Chamber Foundation today congratulated Peter Daniell of Broomfield on winning the 2026 National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C. Daniell, a student from Stargate Charter School, earned the national title Oct. 14, receiving the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and a $100,000 contribution to a 529 education savings plan.

Organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the championship brought together 52 finalists representing all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa. The third annual national championship was televised live on C-SPAN for the first time, concluding a competition that engaged more than 20,000 students from 240 communities nationwide.

“Peter has made Colorado proud, and his national championship is an incredible milestone for our state’s growing civics program,” said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood, we’re reminded that a strong economy and a healthy democracy depend on informed, engaged citizens. By investing in civic education, we’re helping prepare the leaders who will strengthen Colorado’s communities for generations to come.”

Daniell’s path to the national championship included winning the Arvada regional competition before taking first place among 26 students at the Colorado State Finals on July 24. The Colorado Chamber Foundation hosted the state finals, presented by Kinder Morgan in partnership with the Daniels Fund, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and El Pomar Foundation.

“Peter’s victory is a reminder that our future is in the hands of young people already committed to making a difference,” said Colorado Chamber Foundation Executive Director Rachel Beck. “Colorado continues to set an example for the country by bringing businesses, educators and local partners together to inspire the next generation of civic leaders.”

Daniell’s competition essay focused on food insecurity, exploring how communities can work together to help individuals and families facing hunger.

“Congratulations to Peter Daniell who has made the entire state of Colorado proud,” said Hanna Skandera Grady, CEO and President of the Daniels Fund, the Founding Partner of the National Civics Bee.  “What a thrilling victory for a remarkable young American! Peter represents everything we love about the National Civics Bee: curiosity, hard work, a passion for our country and the courage to step up and lead. Bill Daniels believed deeply in the promise of young people, and Peter is living proof that America’s future is in great hands.”

Colorado was one of the first states to launch a state civics bee program beginning in 2023. The state program has since expanded from five local chamber partners at its launch to nine regional partners in 2026, its largest regional participation to date. Applications are open for the 2027 National Civics Bee at https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee. Additional information on regional partners will be announced soon.

The National Civics Bee is a nonpartisan initiative aimed at improving civics knowledge, skills and disposition among middle school students, their families and communities. The competition encourages students to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.

Photos for media use courtesy of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation can be found here.

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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.