In 2024, the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and three other chambers of commerce in Kansas to present the first-of-its-kind civics competition for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade students in Kansas.
The National Civics Bee encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. It provides them a unique platform to demonstrate their knowledge of civics.
About the 2024 Bee
Students were selected for the first round based on 500-word essays identifying a problem in their community and suggesting a solution. Finalists were then tested in the live local competition about government and American history. The final round discussed their essays. The top three local finalists competed in the Kansas Civics Bee with a similar format. The audience also gets to play along and test their civic knowledge.
The top three winners of the first round held in Overland Park, along with three winners from each of the other Kansas communities hosting a National Civics Bee competition, participated in state finals at the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita in May 2024.
At the Kansas Civics Bee, three Overland Park middle school students took first, second, and third place:
- 1st place - Rishaan Panchal – 6th grader at Oxford Middle School – he will proceed to the National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2024.
- 2nd place - Pranjal Adhikari – 8th grader at Lakewood Middle School
- 3rd place - Caleb Bonnema – 7th grader at Blue Valley Middle School
Left to right: Caleb Bonnema, Rishaan Panchal and Pranjal Adhikari
“We wish the best of luck to Rishaan as he goes on to Washington, D.C., to represent Kansas in the national competition,” said Kevin Walker, Executive Vice President & Chief Policy Officer for the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. “We want to thank everyone who participated in the first year of this competition, and we are looking forward to hosting it again next year!”
Why Civics?
“Civics is such an important topic, but we believe it is one that doesn’t get enough attention. We’re excited to be part of this effort to increase understanding in how our government functions, counter the polarization that is occurring in our political environment and enhance participation in our democratic process,” said Kevin Walker, Executive Vice President & Chief Policy Officer for the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce.
“The Bee is foundational to our mission and provides long-lasting impact with future leaders we hope to see in our businesses, civic and governmental organizations,” said Chamber President Tracey Osborne Oltjen. “Interacting with a chamber of commerce and critically thinking about our democracy at this young age will hopefully inspire them to engage in their communities throughout their lives.”
How to Enter
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th-grade student residing in Kansas with an idea about using civics to improve their community may enter.
The application for 2025 will be available in Fall 2024.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you interested in showcasing your company's commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available corporate sponsorships, please contact Kevin Walker at (913) 766-7602 or at kwalker@opchamber.org.
If you have questions or need additional information, contact Kevin Walker, Overland Park Chamber Chief Policy Officer, at (913) 766-7602 or at kwalker@opchamber.org.