Third Time’s the Charm: Meet the 2025 National Civics Bee Champion

As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Americans across the country are revisiting a timeless question: what does it mean to participate in civic life today?  

For Aarit Koul, a ninth grader from Jackson Township, Ohio, the answer was clear: lead with knowledge, speak with purpose, and use your voice to improve your community. 

In 2025, Aarit became the National Civics Bee® champion, earning the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and a $100,000 education savings prize for his thoughtful proposal on expanding access to health care through collaboration across all levels of government. It was his third time competing in the Bee, and his final-round presentation showcased not just deep civic knowledge, but years of growth and commitment. 

“Without participation, there would be no republic. There would be no democracy,” Aarit said following his win. 

His message echoed far beyond the Great Hall of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where the championship was held and broadcast live on C-SPAN. In a year when young people are stepping forward in record numbers to serve their communities and shape the civic conversation, Aarit’s journey embodied what the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s work aims to achieve: informed, engaged citizens who see themselves as part of something bigger.

Aarit’s win underscores what strong civics education can do: help young people develop the skills to lead, listen, and contribute to a stronger, more united nation. That’s the future The Civic Trust® is building, one student at a time.