On July 4, 2026, the United States will mark the 250th year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. What better occasion for a statewide civics bee?
ABOUT THE BEE
In 2026, the Oregon Civics Bee returned for a third – and historic! – year: the nation’s 250th birthday. Dozens of Oregon 6th, 7th and 8th graders submitted essays for consideration, and nine (see list below) ultimately advanced the Oregon Civics Bee, where they competed on June 16 to win recognition and cash prizes. The Oregon Civics Bee, presented by Kinder Morgan, was organized by Oregon Business & Industry in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
THE COMPETITION
Participating students submitted essays identifying community problems and proposing solutions using founding principles and civic virtues. A panel of judges selected finalists to participate in three regional bees in April. The top performers in those competitions, which took place in Beaverton, Eugene and Tigard, were invited to participate in the Oregon Civics Bee, which was held in the House Chamber of the Oregon Capitol in Salem. Secretary of State Tobias Read emceed the competition, which was won by Romi Oji of Portland (see announcement here). Lydia Radecki of Tualatin finished second, and Ishwantia Ravi of Portland finished third. Romi will have a chance to represent Oregon in the National Civics Bee® in Washington, D.C., in fall 2026.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OREGON CIVICS BEE QUALIFIERS
- Soren Artman (Lake Oswego)
- Hope Hughes (Portland)
- Brynn Kleinke (Eugene)
- Romi Oji (Portland)
- Grace Radecki (Tualatin)
- Lydia Radecki (Tualatin)
- Ishwantia Ravi (Portland)
- Justice Witkin (Eugene)
- Addison Woods (Coburg)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHY CIVICS?
Oregon Business & Industry is participating in the National Civics Bee® because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy and a strong workforce. We also believe that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Oregon Civics Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in Oregon and celebrating our civic pride.