Gallatin Area Chamber

National Civics Bee ®

May 1, 2025

Location – The Station!

Write a 750-word essay on our prompt and you’re in!

National-Civics-Bee logo
 Calling all middle school students! Share your ideas and show off your citizenship skills in the National Civics Bee®

Our National Civics Bee, hosted by the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce with support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is the perfect opportunity to dive into American democracy and showcase your civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. The business community thrives on active participation, and our collective future depends on informed and engaged citizens like you!

2024-25 National Civics Bee® Competition Timeline:

  • Tuesday, October 15, 2024: Essay Application Portal opens
  • Tuesday, February 4, 2025: Essay Submission Deadline
  • February 6-12, 2025: Essay Judging Window
  • February 14 – 24, 2025: Finalist Confirmation Window
  • February 14 – 24, 2025: Finalist Confirmation Window
  • Friday, May 16 – Saturday, August 30: State Bees take place
  • Fall 2025: National Championship takes place in D.C.

ABOUT THE BEE

The National Civics Bee® is an annual contest designed to encourage young Americans to explore the world of civics and make a positive impact in their communities. It begins with an essay challenge open to all local 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students. Then 20 finalists will be selected to compete in a live quiz event where their civics knowledge will be put to the test. The top 3 winners will advance to the state competition, representing Gallatin with pride.

HOW TO ENTER

Participation is simple! If you’re a middle school student, submit your 750-word essay on the following prompt:

“What is one way you would improve your local community, and how would you make it happen?”

Essays must be submitted by February 4,  2025. 

Ready to get started? Check out the Essay Writing Guidance.

PRIZES

Be a champion for civics! All finalists in the National Civics Bee local competition will receive a certificate of participation.

Local Bees:

  • 1st Place | $500*
  • 2nd Place |$250*
  • 3rd Place | $125*

 

*Amounts shown are the minimum to be awarded. Finalists should reference the Contest Rules for full prize information.

Local prizes are awarded to local winners.

Top finalists will get to compete for grand prizes including a $100,000 529 plan contribution for the national champion.

WHY CIVICS

At the Gallatin Chamber, we believe that a vibrant community thrives on active and informed citizenship. Civic engagement is crucial for fostering a strong economy, supporting a skilled workforce and securing our ongoing prosperity.

By participating in the National Civics Bee, we aim to enhance civic knowledge and encourage young individuals to take an active role in their communities. This initiative not only strengthens our local ties but also inspires future leaders to contribute positively to society.

Join us in celebrating and advancing civic pride through this impactful competition.

microphone and stand
essay writing

JUDGING CRITERIA

Your essay will be evaluated based on how well you:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of civics.
  • Acknowledge and address opposing points of view.
  • Acknowledge and address at least one Founding Principle and one Civic Virtue.
  • Use primary sources, like newspapers, data, historical documents, images, or other documents that relate to your idea.
  • Clearly describe an idea innovative or new to you.

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Gallatin Area Chamber Logo
Gallatin Chamber Foundation logo

Sponsors: Highpoint Health Sumner with Ascension St. Thomas, The Gallatin Chamber of Commerce, The Chamber Foundation. 

Are you interested in showcasing your company’s commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available sponsorships, please contact kim@gallatintn.org

Contact us!

If you have any questions about the National Civics Bee, please email us at info@gallatinchamber.com.

Whitney Buck

Whitney Buck

Highpoint Health Sumner

Dr. Whitney Buck graduated from University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology in 2015 and received her Doctor of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies in 2019. She completed her Obstetrics/Gynecology residency at Ascension Providence Hospital in Southfield and Novi, Michigan Summer 2024. Whitney and her husband love spending time outdoors, playing with their two lab mixes, Olive & Penny, and are thrilled to be moving back to Tennessee and joining the Sumner County community.

Keiara Marsh

Keiara Marsh

Tennessee Mental Wellness

Keiara Marsh, LMFT, ACS, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and AAMFT Supervisor Candidate passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families. Born and raised in Nashville, TN, she earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and her Master’s in Family Sciences from the University of Kentucky. With experience in both community mental health and private practice, Keiara tailors her approach to each client’s needs. She is trained in Brainspotting and also conducts Bariatric Assessments. Outside of work, Keiara enjoys spending time with her husband and son and exploring new restaurants.

Julie Riemenschneider

Julie Riemenschneider

Dive Barre

Julia Riemenschneider, a Gallatin native, is the owner of The Dive Barre, the only boutique fitness studio in the heart of downtown Gallatin. After facing health challenges, she discovered the healing power of Pilates, which inspired her to teach Pilates at her own studio and empower others through fitness. Known for her sassy yet sweet personality, Julia is passionate about building connections within her community. When she’s not running her business, she enjoys swing dancing and all things vintage, bringing joy and energy into everything she does.

Sara Magoun

Sara Magoun

Reclaiming Wellness

Sara Magoun has been part of healthcare in Sumner County since 2004, starting as an ICU and Emergency Department nurse before becoming a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner in 2015. In 2021, she opened Reclaiming Wellness to offer affordable holistic care, driven by her passion for wellness and a natural approach to medicine. Known for her personalized care, Sara ensures patients feel comfortable and never rushed. Outside of work, she and her husband Jay, a local physician, run a non-profit farm animal rescue, Last Chance Ranch.

Kathryn Good

Kathryn Good

Good Circle Marketing

Kathryn Good is the founder of Good Circle Marketing, a purpose-driven agency that helps organizations amplify their good work through clear strategy and authentic storytelling. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, Kathryn brings a thoughtful mix of clarity, creativity, and care to every project. She’s passionate about helping mission-focused teams simplify their marketing, show up with confidence, and share what makes their work matter. Known for her encouraging, down-to-earth approach, Kathryn also hosts A Good Pour: Conversations about Good Work and regularly leads workshops on marketing strategy and the thoughtful use of AI.

Amy Brodrick

Amy Brodrick

Walk In It

Amy Brodrick is a distinguished sales professional with over three decades of experience in hospitality. With a proven track record in leadership, she has driven revenue growth, expanded market reach, and embraced emerging technologies. Recognized for strategic vision and relationship-building, she has led dynamic teams in renowned hotel chains. Her contributions to the industry include mentoring aspiring professionals and sharing expertise at conferences and training programs. Amy’s exceptional leadership and dedication have earned her multiple sales awards, solidifying her reputation as an industry innovator.

Amy Gleaves

Amy Gleaves

The Purpose Filled Life

Amy Gleaves is a certified life coach, entrepreneur, and creator of The Purpose Filled Life program. With a background in real estate, marketing, and brand management, Amy has helped individuals and businesses grow through strategic planning, personal development, and leadership. She specializes in guiding people to up-level their lives by setting goals, building accountability, and embracing possibility with passion.

Pamela Hubbard

Pamela Hubbard

Be Connected Coaching, LLC

Pam is the founder of Be Connected Coaching, LLC, helping individuals, teams, and organizations build stronger connections. With 33+ years in executive coaching and HR strategy, she specializes in leadership development, conflict resolution, and organizational change. She holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University and an MS in Counseling Psychology from Capella University, blending technical expertise with a deep understanding of human behavior.

Heather Shingleton Headshot

Heather Shingleton

Clutter Company

Heather Shingleton founded Clutter Company in January 2023. Clutter Company’s mission is to empower homes and businesses to simplify their spaces and lives. Having experienced the transformative power of decluttering firsthand, Heather is passionate about guiding clients to identify what truly matters. As a business owner, part-time registered nurse, mother, and wife, Heather understands the feeling of a packed schedule, and she is dedicated to bringing peace to her clients.

Wendy Navarro

Wendy Navarro

Navarro Creative Group

Wendy Navarro is the founder and CEO of Navarro Creative Group, a full-service marketing agency that helps businesses grow through bold branding, smart strategy, and creative storytelling. With over 20 years of experience in business development and marketing, Wendy is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to confidently tell their story, connect with their audience, and elevate their impact. When she’s not building brands or brainstorming big ideas, you’ll find her cheering on fellow entrepreneurs, spending time with family, or dreaming up her next creative adventure.

Erica Twiddle

Erica Twidle

Black Tie Floral

Erica (Herron) Twidle, a Gallatin native, is the owner of Black Tie Floral Design and Events. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Maryville College, where she was also a collegiate soccer player. A devoted mother of two and co-Girl Scout troop leader, she is a passionate sports enthusiast and the proudest supporter of her children’s athletic and creative endeavors.

Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick

Kee Bryant-McCormick

Sumner County

Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick serves as Sumner County General Sessions Judge for Division III, appointed in 2022. A graduate of the University of Missouri, Mississippi College, and Vanderbilt Law School, she has a background in private practice and as an Assistant Public Defender. Judge Bryant-McCormick is the first African-American and second female judge in Sumner County, recognized with awards including the Athena Award and NAACP Citizen of the Year. Outside of her career, she is a devoted wife, mother, and coach for Beech High School’s Mock Trial team.

Rosemary Bates

Rosemary Bates

Gallatin Economic Development Agency

Rosemary Bates is the Director of the Gallatin Economic Development Agency, leading efforts to attract businesses and drive growth. With a background in journalism, business management, and government service, she has spent nearly two decades serving the city. A proud Volunteer State and MTSU graduate, she’s passionate about community development, including her recent project to transform a condemned school into a non-profit daycare. Her greatest feat? Keeping a plant alive for 37 years—against all odds.

Major Paige Brown

Paige Brown

Mayor of Gallatin, TN

Paige Brown is serving her third term as Mayor of Gallatin, Tennessee, elected in 2014. A Florida State University graduate, she previously worked as a news reporter, anchor, and Executive Producer at NewsChannel 5 in Nashville. Paige has served as Executive Director of the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce and is currently President of the Tennessee Municipal League and Vice-Chair of the Regional Transit Authority. She received the Tommie Goodwin Mayor of the Year Award and is an advocate for oncology research, serving on the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Board of Governors.