Virginia Winner’s Advice: “Keep Loving Learning”

When Zoey’s teacher announced a new competition with just three days left to enter, her curiosity was piqued. Little did she know that this last-minute decision would lead her to become Virginia’s National Civics Bee® state champion.  

Now in ninth grade, Zoey’s interest in civics started with We the People, the Center for Civic Education’s flagship program. Their curriculum brought the history and principles of U.S. democracy to life, providing a strong foundation for her civic knowledge. So, when her teacher told her about the National Civics Bee®, she felt like it was a natural next step.  

Zoey’s submission essay for the competition hit close to home – literally. She wrote about housing equality and opportunity in her neighborhood. “I started kind of just writing about new developments, and how many of them are popping up in my city, but kind of just evolved into affordable housing,” she explains.  

Her research took her on a journey through time. To prepare, she shared, “I went to the library and basically just pulled up a bunch of old newspaper articles and I just read through everything.”  

After school let out for the summer, now came time to compete. The first-ever National Civics Bee® Virginia State Finals was held at Colonial Williamsburg, and Zoey managed to clinch first place. “I was really excited, but I was pretty nervous,” she admits. 

Zoey is now preparing for the National Civics Bee® National Championship in Washington D.C. This historic event will bring together finalists from 27 states. Although her journey to the event won’t be as far as some of the other finalists, Zoey is excited to visit the nation’s capital and connect with her fellow contestants. 

Looking to the future, Zoey’s experiences have ignited a passion for making a difference. “Lately, I’ve been thinking about being in a position where I can help people and really make a difference,” she shares. “I want to use what I’ve learned to understand others and help everybody.” 

Zoey’s advice for future National Civics Bee® participants transcends beyond civics. Her philosophy through life is to “keep loving learning,” because her passion for learning new things brought her to where she is today. Well said, Zoey!