The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee in Arlington, an initiative aimed at encouraging young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee is an annual nonpartisan civics competition for middle schoolers that increases civic knowledge, skills and disposition among young Americans, their families and communities.
“As we celebrate Arlington and America’s 250th year, the importance of civics and understanding how our government was designed has never been more critical,” Greater Arlington Chamber President & CEO Michael Jacobson said. “Civics help you understand how decisions get made and how things actually work around you. It gives you the tools to ask smart questions and to form your own opinions.”
Former mayor and guest speaker Jeff Williams challenged the students to never give up and collaborate with others to solve problems in their community.
Emcee Valerie Landry, Chair of the Greater Arlington Chamber’s Education, Workforce & Community Development Committee, walked the students through the night’s competition…