Arkansas State Chamber Crowns Winner of 2026 National Civics Bee Arkansas State Finals
Jai D. of Barton Junior High School in El Dorado will represent Arkansas at the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C.
CONWAY, Ark. (June 24, 2026) — The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, today named Jai D. of Barton Junior High School as the winner of the 2026 National Civics Bee Arkansas State Finals.
Jai emerged as the state champion following a day of competition featuring 12 middle school student finalists from across Arkansas. Participants demonstrated their civic knowledge and presented ideas aimed at addressing challenges in their communities.
“I’m honored to represent Arkansas at the National Civics Bee Championship,” said Jai D. “This experience showed me how important it is for young people to get involved in their communities and understand how they can make a difference. I’m excited for the opportunity to represent our state in Washington, D.C.”
As the Arkansas state champion, Jai received a $1,000 cash prize and will represent Arkansas at the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C., this fall. National competitors will have the opportunity to compete for prizes, including a $100,000 grand prize.
Ava Kate F. of Russellville Junior High School earned second place. Caleb W. of Lakeside Junior High earned third place.
“Strong communities and a strong economy both depend on informed and engaged citizens. The National Civics Bee inspires students to learn about our nation’s history and explore ways they can contribute to their communities. We’re proud to support these exceptional young Arkansans as they develop the skills and knowledge to become tomorrow’s leaders.”
Hosted at the University of Central Arkansas’ Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts, the competition was judged by a distinguished panel of Arkansans, including Arkansas House Speaker Brian Evans; Stacey McClure, state director for U.S. Sen. John Boozman’s office; Lisa Lake, vice president of external affairs at AT&T Arkansas; Dr. Rheo Morris, dean of students at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts; and Stephen Person, Pulaski County justice of the peace and incoming state representative for District 77. Former Miss Arkansas Ebony Mitchell served as emcee for the event.
The National Civics Bee is an annual, nonpartisan competition designed to inspire middle school students to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the program encourages students to deepen their understanding of government, civic responsibility and community involvement.
The 2025-2026 National Civics Bee Arkansas was sponsored by Walmart, AT&T, Uniti, Civics Arkansas, Economics Arkansas, and UCA.
About the Arkansas State Chamber/AIA
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas are private, nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the business climate in Arkansas. By partnering with state and local leaders, networking with key stakeholders and actively collaborating with members, the organizations advance policies that benefit businesses and industries across the state.