Metrocrest Chamber Announces Winners of National Civics Bee® for Middle Schoolers

Farmers Branch—On Saturday, April 5th, the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 National Civics Bee in Farmers Branch, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Sahir H, Tanish P, and Aarush R were named the top three finalists of the National Civics Bee in Farmers Branch, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

At the Metrocrest Chamber, we believe that our future depends on young leaders who understand the importance of civic engagement and community involvement,” said Michael Gallops, President and CEO of the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce. “The National Civics Bee empowers students to think critically about real-world issues and take action. We are incredibly proud of all the participants and thrilled to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding middle school students.

“We are facing a civics crisis in America. Surveys show that 70% of adults cannot pass a basic civics quiz, and 79% of 8th graders fall below proficiency in civics. This threatens the strength, prosperity, and resilience of our nation. The National Civics Bee is dedicated to enhancing civics knowledge, skills, and disposition among young people and adults alike, inspiring the next generation to make a positive impact in their communities.” said Hilary Crow, Vice President, Civics, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

After a distinguished panel of judges reviewed the essays, the top essay finalists from the first-round civics essay competition were selected to advance to their local competition. Twenty local finalists participated in the Metrocrest local competition: an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their knowledge and critical thinking.

Sahir H from DeWitt Perry Middle School in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD earned first place, with Tanish P and Aarush R taking second and third place, respectively. This year’s judges were Darren Gardner, Calvin Moore, and Mary Ann Burns. The event was emceed by Phil Prazan, an award-winning reporter with NBC 5 DFW who focuses on policy, politics, and government.

The top three finalists impressed the judges with their thoughtful and well-researched essays, confident public speaking, and insightful responses to questions during the live competition. Each demonstrated a deep understanding of civic responsibility, poise under pressure, and a strong passion for making a difference in their communities.

“It was really exciting to be part of the Civics Bee,” said Sahir H, the first-place winner. “I worked really hard on my essay, and it was amazing to share my ideas with the judges and the audience. I’ve learned so much about how our government works and why it matters to get involved.”

The first-place winner received a $500 cash prize and will advance to the state competition hosted by The School of Civic Leadership at the University of Texas, along with the other two finalists. The top state winners will receive various prizes, and the first-place winner of the State Finals will earn a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship in the Fall of 2025. Prizes at the National Championship include a grand prize of a $100,000 529 college savings plan for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $15,000 for third place.

The National Civics Bee Texas State Finals will be hosted by The School of Civic Leadership at the University of Texas on May 17th from 1–4 PM at Crum Auditorium, McCombs School of Business.

For more information on the National Civics Bee, visit: https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee.