Chelsea Chamber hosts first National Civics competition with 19 local student finalists

The Chelsea Chamber of Commerce hosted the inaugural National Civics Bee Competition on April 5, 2025, showcasing the civic knowledge and engagement of local students. This event marks a significant achievement for Chelsea, as it is the only chamber in Massachusetts participating in this national competition.

During the meeting, Jennifer, a representative of the Chamber, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to highlight Chelsea's commitment to civic education. She noted that 19 of the 20 participating students are from Chelsea's public and charter schools, with one guest student from New Bedford. This diverse group reflects the community's dedication to fostering civic understanding among its youth.

The competition format includes multiple rounds, with the top five students advancing to a tie-breaker round if necessary. Audience members were encouraged to engage by participating in a quiz alongside the students, enhancing their own civic knowledge.

Looking ahead, the top ten students from this local competition will advance to the state competition at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Dorchester on May 20. From there, one student will have the opportunity to compete at the national level in Washington, D.C. This progression not only highlights the students' achievements but also emphasizes the importance of civic education in shaping informed future leaders.

The event concluded with the introduction of judges, further underscoring the community's investment in recognizing and nurturing civic engagement among its youth. As Chelsea continues to lead in civic initiatives, the impact of this competition is expected to resonate throughout the community, inspiring greater participation in civic life.