The future of civic leadership was on full display this past weekend as the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed middle school students from across Mesa County for the 2026 Regional Civics Bee.
Held at the Clifton Community Center, the event brought together students, families, educators, and community leaders for a morning focused on civic knowledge, critical thinking, and community engagement. Through a live quiz-style competition and thoughtful question-and-answer rounds, students demonstrated not only an understanding of government and citizenship, but also a deep awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing their communities.
Eight students advanced to this year’s regional competition 
after submitting essays identifying local issues and proposing realistic, community-centered solutions. Their ideas reflected a remarkable level of compassion, creativity, and civic responsibility.
Congratulations to the 2026 Regional Finalists:
- First Place: Aryanna E., Fruita Middle School
- Second Place: JoeyMae L., Caprock Academy
- Third Place: Makayla P., Caprock Academy
This year’s first-place winner, Aryanna E., stood out for her thoughtful essay addressing attainable housing challenges in Mesa County. Aryanna identified the growing gap between wages and housing costs and proposed practical solutions such as repurposing abandoned or underutilized buildings into affordable housing opportunities while also protecting surrounding farmland from overdevelopment. Her essay reflected both an understanding of local economic realities and a strong commitment to civic responsibility, emphasizing that safe and affordable housing should be accessible to all members of the community.
The essays submitted by finalists highlighted a wide range of issues impacting Mesa County and beyond. Students proposed ideas centered on supporting unhoused populations, strengthening inclusion for refugee and immigrant families, creating school community gardens, building after-school programs for students, increasing neighborhood safety, and improving access to nutritious food and social support systems.
One finalist focused on creating “Kindness Cafes” to foster inclusion and friendship among students from different cultural backgrounds after witnessing discrimination and vandalism directed toward refugee families and a local mosque. Another proposed expanding resources and shelter support for individuals experiencing homelessness in Mesa County. Several students explored ways to bring communities together through gardens, after-school programs, volunteerism, and support for families in need.
The competition was evaluated by a panel of local leaders including Brandon Bainer, Laurel Lutz, and Katie Powell. During the final Q&A round, the top three finalists distinguished themselves through their confidence, depth of knowledge, and ability to connect founding principles and civic virtues to real-world community challenges.
The first-place winner received a $500 cash prize and will advance to the state competition in July hosted by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Top state finalists will compete for additional prizes, and the state champion will advance to the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C. for the opportunity to win a $100,000 contribution to a 529 education savings plan.
The Regional Civics Bee is part of a nationwide initiative from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation designed to encourage greater civic knowledge and engagement among young people. Hosted locally by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, the event reflects the Chamber’s broader commitment to leadership development, civic engagement, and investing in the next generation of Mesa County leaders.
“What stood out most throughout the morning was the level of thoughtfulness these students brought to real community challenges,” said Candace Carnahan. “Their ideas reflected empathy, problem solving, and a willingness to take responsibility for strengthening their communities. That is exactly the kind of leadership our future depends on.”
To learn more about the National Civics Bee, visit National Civics Bee.
