Romig Middle School student Emily Brubaker wins $100K in first the national bee

Anchorage, ALASKA (Nov. 12, 2024) — Emily Brubaker, an eighth grader at Romig Middle School, won the first annual National Civics Bee, earning a $100,000 529 plan. Brubaker was among 27 finalists who traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete for the Bill Daniels National Civics Bee Award by showcasing her civics knowledge and critical thinking skills. Brubaker advanced to the national competition after winning the Alaska State Finals for the National Civics Bee, hosted by the Alaska Chamber earlier this year.

“We’re very proud of Emily for representing Alaska with excellence,” said Kati Capozzi, president and CEO of the Alaska Chamber. “It’s inspiring to see young Alaskans like Emily engaging in civics, learning how to make a difference and leading the way for future generations. We hope her achievement inspires even more students to explore civics.”

The National Civics Bee, created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, celebrates and encourages young civic leaders who are ready to make a difference in their communities. The Alaska Chamber is proud to participate and put forth some of the state’s brightest young minds. Brubaker had the highest cumulative score, and the judges cited her depth of knowledge among her strengths.

Participants in the National Civics Bee submitted essays on important community issues to enter the competition. Judges then select students to advance to local competitions, where the top three winners advance to the state finals and then the first-place winner advances to the national bee. Brubaker wrote her entry essay on the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, a bill that would help children born with congenital abnormalities, like Brubaker, who has hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, get access to medically necessary care under insurance.

Essay applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Civics Bee. Middle schoolers in sixth, seventh and eighth grade are welcome to apply through the National Civics Bee website.

You can watch Brubaker’s winning moment here.

About the Alaska Chamber
The Alaska Chamber founded in 1953 seeks to promote a positive business environment in Alaska. The Chamber is the voice of small and large business representing more than 700 businesses, manufacturers, and local chambers from across Alaska. Our member companies employ over 100,000 hard-working Alaskans. The Chamber supports and encourages a positive investment climate that provides certainty and stability for Alaska.