STATE COLLEGE, PA – Today, Millicent Godoy of Hershey Middle School won the Pennsylvania State Finals of the National Civics Bee at Penn State University’s HUB-Robeson Center.Godoy now advances to the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., for a chance to compete for a $100,000 scholarship.
Hosted by the PA Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber Foundation and eight regional chambers of commerce statewide, this inspiring event brought together 24 exceptional middle school students from across the Commonwealth to showcase their civics knowledge and present innovative ideas to improve their communities. Co-chaired by PA Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Luke Bernstein and Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis, the event highlighted the critical importance of reversing the national decline in civics knowledge and fostering a new generation of informed, engaged, and civil leaders.
“Congratulations to Millicent on an amazing performance and to all the students who competed and showcased why Pennsylvania’s future is so bright,” said Bernstein. “The National Civics Bee is more than a competition—it’s a movement to reawaken civic pride and engagement among today’s young people. Through their answers to in-depth questions about the workings of our democratic processes and their presentation of original, civic-minded ideas for improving their hometowns, these students are proof that our nation’s future is in capable hands.”
“We need to raise generations of young people who understand how our government works and are committed to using that knowledge to make a difference,” said Lt. Governor Austin Davis. “This event empowers students to lead with civility, compassion, and courage. Today’s student competitors demonstrated these qualities in droves, and I cannot wait to see what they accomplish in the future.”
The competition featured two rounds of quiz-style civics questions, followed by a compelling final round in which the top five students presented and defended an overview of original essays describing how they would use civics to improve their communities. A panel of judges determined the winners. Leon Smith, the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, emceed the event.
The PA Chamber Foundation proudly congratulates the winners of the 2025 National Civics Bee Pennsylvania State Finals:
First Place: Millicent Godoy – $1,000
Second Place: Cooper Palma – $750
Third Place: Mihir Pilgaonkar – $500
As state champion, Millicent will represent Pennsylvania at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. this fall, competing against top students from across the country. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants and thank our Civics Bee host, Penn State University; and to our event sponsors – Presenting Sponsor, the Pennsylvania School Boards Association; Prize Sponsor, PSECU; Luncheon Sponsor, Kinder Morgan; Technology Sponsor, Intrada Technologies; and Transportation Sponsor, Sheetz, with Additional Support from PHEAA.
We’d also like to deeply thank the educators and families who inspired the students to become the next generation of leaders. Together, we are building a stronger, more civically engaged Pennsylvania.
For more information, visit www.civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee/.
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The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state’s largest broad-based business association, with its statewide membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.