Fairfield Student Heads to National Civics Bee Finals 

For Tomlinson Middle School’s Aarav Pradeep Sahu, the second time was the charm.  

The Fairfield eighth grader took first place in the National Civics Bee Connecticut State Finals June 7 at the Mark Twain House in Hartford. 

The annual competition aims to improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. 

Sahu was the runner-up last year in the inaugural Connecticut State Finals. 

“It was months of work that led to this accomplishment,” said Sahu. “It was one of the best moments of this whole year and a jolt of pride.” 

Civics Knowledge 

Sahu narrowly edged out runner-up Arav Kapoor from Fairfield Woods Middle School, third-place finisher Summer Savannah Smith from Martin Kellog Middle School in Newington, Fairfield Woods Middle School’s Vijeesh Senthil Nathan, Hampton Elementary School’s Madison Murphy, and Olivia-Lourdes Muhammad from Six to Six Magnet School in Bridgeport. 

“It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” said Kapoor.

“It’s inspiring that this extremely intelligent group of people can come together and initiate change.”  

“It means a lot to me,” added Smith. “It shows me that I did the hard work, and it paid off.” 

With his victory, Sahu earned a $1,000 cash prize and earned a spot in the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. Nov. 10. 

“Winning was a great achievement,” said Sahu. “I’m proud to represent Connecticut in the nationals.” 

Leaving Their Mark 

The students navigated through two rounds of multiple-choice questions quizzing them students on their knowledge of civics and the U.S. Constitution. 

The competitors also delivered a three-minute pitch based on an original essay about what they’re doing to tackle challenges in their communities.  

“It’s such a bright light to see them talk and take their plans into action,” said NBC Connecticut anchor Mike Hydeck who emceed the competition. 

“They’re thinking of plans to try to go and make a change, which we need more of.” 

This year, the student’s topics included reducing fentanyl overdose deaths, improving public transportation, addressing crime, increasing access to affordable housing, providing more structure and opportunities for young people, and reducing the use of plastics in schools. 

Connecticut Education Association president Kate Dias, Amazon manager of public policy Wyatt Bosworth, and Travelers vice president of government relations Courtney Larkin served as judges for the competition.

“They were such impressive young people, and passionate about their topics,” said Larkin.  

“These kids are really thinking about how to make the world a better place and leave their mark on it in a positive and important way,” added Dias.

 Staying Engaged 

The CBIA Foundation for Economic Growth & Opportunity partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, organizer of the National Civics Bee, to host regional bees and the Connecticut State Finals. 

“It’s important for the foundation to be here because it’s raising up those voices these young people—they are talking about the important issues facing their communities,” said CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord. 

“To be a good economy, you need to have people that are engaged in their civic community, and it starts at an early age.” 

During a break in the competition—Connecticut State Department of Education deputy commissioner Charles Hewes engaged the students in a discussion about the importance of civics and giving back to your community. 

“Don’t lose the dialog between each other,” he told the students.  

“You all can keep that work moving forward to effectuate what you believe needs to be that role of government in the future.” 

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The National Civics Bee Connecticut State Final is made possible through the generous support of the Travelers Foundation and Dalio Education, Amazon, and Google, with additional support from the Connecticut State Department of Education, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, Connecticut Education Association, Connecticut Democracy Center, and Bridgeport Regional Business Council.

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The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Civic Trust, is an annual competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state and local chambers across the country. The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, and other funders.