Wayne County Students Compete at State Civics Bee Competition

​Indianapolis, Indiana – On Tuesday, June 23, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce sent three students, Calin Ledgerwood, Arianna Stevenson, and Emily Meeker, to participate in the 2026 state championship of the National Civics Bee at the Indiana War Memorial. The National Civics Bee, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, aims to foster civic engagement among young Americans and encourage their active contribution to our communities and nation.
 
The state competition was hosted by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Department of education. It featured 15 students representing their respective regions and Chambers and comprised two segments: a live quiz event followed by a presentation of their essays and a Q&A session with the judges.
 
“It is incredibly important for our students to engage in civic discussions,” said Melissa Vance, President and CEO of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. “They are the future of our community, and we are proud to give them a platform to share their ideas, explore important issues, and make their voices heard.”
 
Only the top five students were selected to present their essay pitches. Among these finalists was Calin Ledgerwood, representing the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce and Nettle Creek School Corporation. Entering the speech segment after winning the tiebreaker, Calin spoke passionately about children and families receiving adequate care and education on resources to improve quality of life.