Minnesota's First-Ever National Civics Bee State Final

On Sunday, June 14, the Minnesota History Center hosted a historic moment: the inaugural National Civics Bee Minnesota State Final.

Presented by the YMCA Center for Youth Voice, the event brought together 13 middle schoolers who had advanced through regional competitions hosted by Minnesota Chambers of Commerce across the state.

How It Worked

Finalists competed in two civics quiz rounds, with the top five scorers advancing to a Q&A round where they presented their civics essays and fielded questions from a panel of judges: Melanie Hazelip from the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, Mercedes McFarland Jackson of Fredrikson & Byron, and Michelle Maryns of the Minnesota Council on Foundations. YMCA of the North SVP Annastasia G. Collier emceed, and Minnesota Chamber Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Byers delivered welcoming remarks.

2026 National Civics Bee Minnesota State Champions

• 1st Place: Justus Anderson — Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce
• 2nd Place: Fern Schmidt — Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce
• 3rd Place: Henry Schlagel — Monticello Chamber of Commerce

Justus will represent Minnesota at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. this fall, competing for national recognition and a $100,000 529 education savings plan contribution.

As America marks its 250th anniversary, the National Civics Bee asks young people a simple but powerful question: What would you do to make your community better? Watching 13 Minnesota middle schoolers answer that with confidence and conviction was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

Congratulations to Justus, Fern, Henry, and all 13 finalists. Thank you to our judges, volunteers, and chamber partners who made this day possible. We can't wait to see what comes next for the next generation of civic leaders!