Maris Godbey of Fayette County Wins 2026 National Civics Bee Kentucky State Finals

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee Kentucky State Finals in June, where middle school students participated in live competition to test their civics knowledge and shared solutions to issues facing their communities before a panel of judges.

Following regional competitions hosted by local chambers of commerce this spring, the top three finalists from each contest advanced to the Kentucky State Finals.

Maris Godbey of Fayette County was named the competition winner, with Konnor Knott of Lyon County placing second and Allie Jackson of Boyd County placing third.

Godbey will represent Kentucky at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., this fall, where state champions from across the country will compete.

Godbey focused her presentation on homelessness and housing stability in Lexington, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals and families struggling to find safe, affordable housing. She emphasized the importance of expanding housing opportunities, connecting people with employment and support services, and working through community partnerships to help individuals build long-term stability.

“Helping individuals off the streets and into a safe future allows them the ability to pursue their happiness and live the American dream,” Godbey said in her speech.

The National Civics Bee Kentucky State Finals judges included Kentucky Chamber Foundation Board Members Jonathan Copley of Molina Healthcare, Talley Russell of Humana, and Kim Sweazy of Toyota, along with Dr. Aaron Thompson of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, and 2025 Kentucky State Civics Bee Champion Ava Bogard.

The event also featured a panel discussion with previous Kentucky State Champions Javan Dotson (2023), Ava June Tackett (2024), and Ava Bogard (2025). The students shared how they have continued their civic learning and engagement through community involvement, leadership opportunities, and programs such as the iCivics Youth Fellowship, in which Dotson and Tackett participated.

The National Civics Bee is an initiative that encourages more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber Foundation, the competition hosted by the Kentucky Chamber Foundation seeks to inspire middle school students to become better informed about American democracy, engage respectfully and constructively in their communities, and build greater trust in others and institutions.

“As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, there has never been a more important time to encourage young people to understand our system of government and the responsibilities of citizenship,” said Beth Davisson, Senior Vice President of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. “The National Civics Bee helps students connect what they learn in the classroom to the issues facing their communities and empowers them to see that they can make a difference. We are proud of every student who participated and look forward to seeing Maris represent Kentucky on the national stage.”