Karli Matthews, a middle school student at Lee Academy in Clarksdale, has been named Mississippi’s state champion for the National Civics Bee®.
She will represent the state as one of only 27 finalists at the National Civics Bee Championship, to be held in Washington, D.C., November 10–11, 2025.
This year’s Bee engaged more than 6,000 students from 110 communities across 28 states—uniting parents, educators, business leaders, public officials, and civic organizations to prioritize civics education nationwide.
Matthews earned her title by crafting a thoughtful and compelling essay on gun safety and its impact on her community and the nation. Her submission proposed a solution grounded in civic virtues and foundational democratic principles. She advanced through local and state competitions with a strong display of civic knowledge, passion for public service, and commitment to community improvement.
“The Civics Bee is an excellent way to engage and empower students to understand their rights and responsibilities,” said Scott Waller, president and CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council. “It encourages students to solve real-world problems, take responsibility for change, and actively participate in building stronger communities.”
The National Civics Bee is a program of The Civic Trust, an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The annual competition aims to strengthen civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and their communities.
Matthews now heads to Washington, D.C., where she will compete against other state champions from across the country in the national finals this November.