A Colorado boy was crowned the 2026 National Civics Bee champion this week.
Peter Daniell, a 14-year-old from Broomfield, took home the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and a $100,000 contribution to a 529 education savings plan after beating out finalists from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa at Wednesday’s competition in the nation’s capital, according to a news release from the Colorado Chamber Foundation.
Finalists competed in rounds that challenged their civics knowledge and critical thinking skills, which included a team presentation, multiple-choice round, head-to-head gauntlet, interview round and final buzzer questions.
Peter’s essay submission focused on food insecurity and explored ways communities can work together to tackle hunger.
The ninth-grader, who attends Stargate Charter School in Thornton, is an Eagle Scout who enjoys juggling, soccer and government. He’s an aspiring Supreme Court justice, according to his biography on the competition’s website.
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“I am extremely proud to congratulate Peter on this major victory, which is a testament of his hard work and a great example of Colorado’s commitment to education,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement Thursday. “The National Civics Bee is an opportunity for students from across our country to come together, showcase civics knowledge and inspire other young adults to learn how government works.”
The National Civics Bee was launched in 2023 as a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to promote civics education. Interested students can learn more about applying for next year’s competition through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s website.
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