From Phoenix to First Place

A young man speaking at a podium with a microphone. He appears to be delivering a speech or presentation, wearing a light blue button-up shirt. The background features a partially visible sign with text that reads

With a passion for civic engagement and a vision for Arizona’s future, Aiden B.’s impressive victory at the National Civics Bee® Arizona State Finals showcases the potential of today’s youth to shape tomorrow’s world.

Aiden’s path to the National Civics Bee® began with a simple nudge from his social studies teacher. “My teacher saw a flyer and thought of me. She said, ‘Aiden, I think you’d do well,'” he recalls. The encouragement led him to secure second place in the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce local competition and ultimately win at the Arizona State Finals, hosted by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The image shows a young boy standing and holding a clear, engraved trophy with the text "1st Place Winner" on it. He is smiling and dressed in a light blue button-up shirt and beige pants. Behind him, the text "National Civics Bee" and "Arizona Chamber Foundation" are visible on the backdrop, indicating that he won first place in a civics competition.

For the essay portion of the competition, Aiden chose a topic close to home: open primaries. “I was trying to find something that I am really passionate about, especially for the future, and that is also specific to my community,” Aiden explains. His research revealed a unique aspect of Arizona’s political landscape: “Arizona is really special in that almost a third of our registered voters are independents.” This finding not only informed his essay but also highlights how insightful it can be to delve deeply into your community’s unique civic challenges and opportunities.

Preparing for the competition involved extensive writing and research. Aiden shares, “I kind of just wrote a lot, then gradually got that down. My dad and my teacher helped me find a lot of data.” His preparation for the civics quiz included reading the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and Supreme Court cases. Aiden credits his family and teacher for their unwavering support.

Aiden’s passion for civics extends beyond the competition. When asked about his future aspirations, he revealed, “I think I’ll probably want to be a politician. I’ll probably want to do something in business first, but I’ve always wanted to run for office.” After reflecting on the Arizona State Finals, Aiden shared that the moment the winners were announced is his most vivid memory from the event. This achievement marks a significant step in Aiden’s journey towards his dream of becoming a politician.

Looking ahead to the National Championship, Aiden is excited about both the challenge and the opportunity of competing in the nation’s capital. “I’m looking forward to the competition of course, but also all the touring of D.C. that I know has been set up. That’ll be really exciting,” he says.

Outside of his academic pursuits, Aiden is an avid baseball player. His dedication to sports complements his academic achievements.

Aiden’s journey from a classroom in Phoenix to the national stage in Washington D.C. is a testament to the power of civic education and engagement. His story showcases how initiatives like the National Civics Bee® can empower students to apply their knowledge to real-world issues, fostering a new generation of informed and active citizens.