2026 National Civics Bee Connecticut State Finals

The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

Middle school students competed all across Connecticut this year. The finalists will join us for the National Civics Bee Connecticut State Finals as they continue to flex their civics knowledge.

More information about the competition, including Rules and Code of Conduct, can be found here.

For questions, please contact Samantha Barbaro.

Agenda

9:30 am | Check-In, Meet & Greet 

10 am | Opening Remarks  

• Mike Hydeck, Anchor, NBC Connecticut 

• Dustin Nord, Director, CBIA Foundation  

10:15 am | Competition Rounds One and Two | Quiz Questions 

• Finalists
  • Suhana Gutta, 8th Grade, Bethel Middle School 
  • Kaden Hogan, 6th Grade, Scotts Ridge Middle School 
  • Johnny Macias, 6th Grade, Children’s Community School 
  • Nina Mattamana, 8th Grade, Kingswood Oxford School 
  • Hanzala Shoaib, 8th Grade, Chippens Hill Middle School 

10:45 am | Break 

11:00 am | Competition Round Three | Essay Pitch 

• Judges
  • Jessica Callahan, Development Manager, ReadyCT 
  • Jason Pittner, School Programs Coordinator, Connecticut Democracy Center 
  • Jay Williams, President & CEO, Greater Hartford Gives 

11:30 am | Community Engagement  

• Danielle Cloud, Policy Director, CBIA 

11:40 am | Winners Announced 

11:45 am | Reception