On June 16, 2026, Rachel Derege and Daralynn Chatham competed in the North Carolina State Finals for the 2026 National Civics Bee®. Both rising eighth-graders at McGee’s Crossroads Middle, Derege and Chatham, tested their knowledge of civics. More than 850 students from around the state attended the event, which was held at the James B. Hunt Library on the North Carolina State University (NCSU) campus.
Sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students showcased their civics knowledge throughout three rounds of competition, which included answering multiple-choice questions on American history and civics, and an essay describing a project that was important to them and would improve their local communities.
Chatham’s essay proposed expanding the coverage of mental health in public education, including specific instruction on recognizing signs of mental illness and how to ask for help. Derege wrote an essay on increasing the amount of driver's education that students receive to decrease teen driving anxiety and reduce the number of teen fatalities from motor vehicle accidents. As a top-five finalist, Derege had the opportunity to present her proposed project to the judges, answering questions about feasibility and how her project demonstrated American civic virtues.
JCPS Teaching and Learning Specialist Jess Fisher said, “I was particularly impressed by the amount of personal time and effort they invested in preparing for a competition focused on American history and civics before they have even taken North Carolina's eighth-grade American history course.”
To qualify for the state finals, Derege and Chatham first competed in the regional competition, hosted by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce. They, and 18 other students from Wilson, Lenoir, Wayne, and Wake counties. Derege and Chatham finished first and second, respectively, in the local competition.
The event was hosted through a partnership between the NCSU Department of Public Administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The nonpartisan civics competition encourages young Americans to engage in civic life and contribute to their communities.
Participating students gained knowledge about American democracy, practiced engaging respectfully and constructively, and built trust in others and institutions. As they competed for prizes, students strengthened their civics, writing, and public speaking skills, and formed friendships with other young leaders.
Competitors were vying for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes, including $1000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. Finalists are invited to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Civics Bee National Championship in Fall 2026.
JCPS had a strong showing with two top-10 finishers in North Carolina’s inaugural year participating in the National Civics Bee. Derege finished fifth overall in the state competition after advancing to the final presentation round, and Chatham made the top ten, nabbing ninth place.