James, an eighth grader at Ridge Park Charter Academy, took second place in the local final of the 2025 National Civics Bee at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
It’s been a highly decorated end to the school year for James before he heads off to high school. He also received the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) Award of Excellence for his achievements in academics, leadership in representing Moral Focus, and exemplary character.
The bee is an initiative to encourage more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Students from the region submitted a civics essay and the top writers competed in the live quiz portion of the event to test their civics knowledge. Eighteen middle school finalists participated in the Grand Rapids competition, an in-person live event that consisted of two rounds of questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge.
James’ essay was about how land development could better take the environment into consideration, incorporating civic virtues into the solution.
“One thing I have noticed around my community, I see large areas of trees being cut down,” he said. “People don't really take into consideration the ecosystem that comes with land development.”
James appreciated learning about the history of the United States, the different laws he was quizzed about, and various government facts he recited in the competition.
“I enjoyed how we were able to present our ideas to other people,” James said.
The top three finalists impressed the judges with topics such as composting and sustainability, mental health, and ecosystem protection and will advance to the state competition July 9 at the Michigan Capitol. 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.
“The civics bee is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of informed citizenship. By engaging our youth in understanding government, history, and their role in shaping the future, we cultivate an involved community that can solve problems and build on our democratic roots,” said Andy Johnston, senior vice president of strategic initiatives for the Grand Rapids Chamber.
Great job, Designer!
Check out a school near you!
About Ridge Park Charter Academy
Ridge Park Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Ridge Park Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.