Minot Student Will Compete at National Civics Bee
An eighth grader from Our Redeemer's Christian School will represent North Dakota in the national competition.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Chilaka Ugobi, an eighth grader at Our Redeemer's Christian School, will represent North Dakota at the National Civics Bee on October 14, 2026. Ugobi, who focuses his project on adult mental health accessibility, is the two-time defending state spelling bee champion.
Why it matters
The competition aims to provide students with the confidence and opportunity to actively participate in their communities. It highlights young scholars from across 50 states, the District of Columbia, and American Samoa.
The National Civics Bee features 52 student competitors representing all 50 states, D.C., and American Samoa. The grand prize is a $100,000 education savings plan.
The players
Chilaka Ugobi
He is an eighth grade student at Our Redeemer's Christian School in Minot who has twice won the North Dakota Spelling Bee.
Our Redeemer's Christian School
It is an educational institution based in Minot, North Dakota, where the National Civics Bee competitor is currently enrolled.
The details
Ugobi will present his work on adult mental health accessibility to a national audience. He previously established his competitive track record as a two-time North Dakota Spelling Bee champion.
Timeline
Chilaka Ugobi will compete at the National Civics Bee on October 14, 2026.
The competition will be televised on C-SPAN at 7 pm Central Time on October 14, 2026.
Culture Shift
This event reflects the broader societal trend of prioritizing youth civic engagement through high-stakes national academic competitions. Such events offer students significant opportunities for recognition and financial advancement as they transition through their secondary education.
Residents of Minot can tune in to C-SPAN to follow the progress of a local student on the national stage. This event serves as a showcase for academic excellence within the local school district.
The takeaway
Participation in national civics competitions allows students to gain valuable public speaking and project development skills. These programs help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world community advocacy.
What happens next
Chilaka Ugobi is scheduled to compete in the National Civics Bee on October 14, 2026, with televised coverage on C-SPAN starting at 7 pm Central Time.
Further reading
Find more local academic updates in the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kfyrtv.
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