The Institute for Governance and Civics (IGC) at Florida State University hosted the 2026 Florida Statewide Finals of the National Civics Bee® on Tuesday, June 30, at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center, where 12 middle school students from across Florida competed in a live, quiz-style civics championship.
Araoluwakiitan A., an 8th-grade student at Voyager K-8 in St. Cloud, Florida, was named the 2026 Florida Statewide Finals winner and will advance to the National Civics Bee® championship in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 13-14. The national championship will bring together state champions to compete for the national title and a first-place 529 education award of $100,000.
Presented in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and chambers of commerce across Florida, with Kinder Morgan serving as the presenting sponsor, the nonpartisan competition encourages students in grades 6-8 to deepen their understanding of American government, civic responsibility and community engagement.
During the statewide finals, students demonstrated their civic knowledge through multiple rounds of live competition, answering questions about government, civic responsibility and public life while engaging with judges, audience members and community leaders.
"It feels amazing, and I can't believe I'm going to D.C.," said Araoluwakiitan A., 2026 Florida Statewide Finals winner of the National Civics Bee®.
Statewide finals winners received prizes up to $1,000. Georgia W., a 7th grade student at Julia Landon College Preparatory in Jacksonville finished in second place, and Orion A., an 8th grade student at Pine View School in Osprey, Florida, came in third place.
"The National Civics Bee gives students a meaningful opportunity to strengthen their understanding of government, think clearly about their communities, and see themselves as active participants in civic life," said Ryan Owens, director of the IGC. "We are proud to welcome these outstanding students to Tallahassee and celebrate the curiosity, leadership and civic responsibility they represent."
Student participants, who advanced through regional essay competitions hosted by local chambers, included:
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
- Orion A., Pine View School, 8th grade
- Zeke C., Pine View School, 7th grade
- Tristan R., Pine View School, 7th grade
St. Pete Chamber of Commerce
- Viacheslav B., Farnell Middle School, 6th grade
- Sayed H., Liberty Middle School, 7th grade
- David M., Safety Harbor Middle School, 7th grade
The Osceola Chamber of Commerce
- Araoluwakiitan A., Voyager K-8, 8th grade
- Avinoor J., Abraham Lincoln Middle School, 8th grade
- Georgia W., Julia Landon College Preparatory, 7th grade
Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
- Emma C., Liza Jackson Preparatory School, 7th grade
- Arianna N., Northwest Florida Ballet Académie, 8th grade
- Rishi T., Florida State University Schools K-12, 7th grade
The statewide finals reflect the IGC's broader mission to advance the principles of liberty through research, education, and discourse. Through the National Civics Bee®, students are encouraged to learn, lead and contribute to their communities while gaining a deeper understanding of the role informed citizens play in a strong democracy.
