The Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 National Civics Bee in Gallatin, Tennessee on May 1st, 2025, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Emmy Greene, Taylor Chen, and Tanner Alestra were named the top three finalists of the National Civics Bee in Gallatin, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation with local support from presenting sponsor, HighPoint Health Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas.

“We are honored to host the National Civics Bee in Gallatin because we believe informed, engaged citizens are the foundation of strong communities. By giving middle school students a platform to explore real issues and use their voices, we’re not just investing in their future—we’re strengthening ours. It’s our hope that this experience sparks a lifelong commitment to civic leadership and service.” said Kim Baker, President & CEO, Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We are facing a civics crisis in America. Surveys show that 70% of adults cannot pass a basic civics quiz, and 79% of 8th graders fall below proficiency in civics. This threatens the strength, prosperity, and resilience of our nation. The National Civics Bee is dedicated to enhancing civics knowledge, skills, and disposition among young people and adults alike, inspiring the next generation to make a positive impact in their communities.” said Hilary Crow, Vice President, Civics, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

After a distinguished panel of judges reviewed the essays, the top essay finalists from the first-round civics essay competition were selected to advance to their local competition. Eighteen Local Finalists participated in the Gallatin local competition: an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge. Emmy Greene from Thomas William Hunter Middle School took first place, followed by Taylor Chen of Avery Trace Middle School and Tanner Alestra of White House Middle School for second and third places, respectively. The judges for this year’s competition were: Sumner County Mayor John Isbell; Sumner County Assistant District Attorney Tara Wyllie; Phillip Morgan, History Coordinator at Welch College; Joan Jean-François, Assistant Professor of English at Volunteer State Community College; and Cari Lambrecht, Director of Marketing & Communications at HighPoint Health Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas.

The top three finalists impressed the judges with their strong command of civics knowledge, thoughtful community solutions, and confident public speaking. Each finalists demonstrated a clear understanding of the issues facing their communities and offered realistic, well-articulated proposals for positive change.

The first-place winner received a $500 cash prize and will advance to the state competition hosted by the Tennessee Chamber, along with the other two finalists. The top state winners will receive various prizes, and the first-place winner of the State Finals will earn a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship in the Fall of 2025. Prizes at the National Championship include a grand prize of a $100,000 529 plan for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $15,000 for third place.

The Tennessee Chamber will host the National Civics Bee Tennessee State Finals on Friday, May 16th at Tennessee State Museum. For more information on the National Civics Bee, visit: gallatintn.org/national-civics-bee/

About National Civics Bee®

The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s The Civic Trust, is an annual nonpartisan 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, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.

Photo credit: Angela Anderson, Gallatin Area Chamber VP of Member Experience