Destin Middle School student named champion of Florida's 2025 National Civics Bee
DESTIN, Fla. (WKRG) — A Destin Middle School student has earned first place in the 2025 National Civics Bee and is moving forward to the National Finals.
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According to an Okaloosa County Schools news release, eighth-grader Noah Finkler began his Civics journey in early March at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce's inaugural National Civics Bee, which earned him a $500 prize and a trophy.
That win led him to compete and win first as the Florida Champion of the 2025 bee, earning him a $1,000 prize, the release said.
Noah will now go on to the National Finals, along with other top students from across the country, to compete in the National Civics Bee in Washington D.C. this fall for a chance to win prizes such as a $100,000 education savings plan, according to the release.
'The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has given students a tremendous opportunity to engage in civic education,' said President and CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ted Corcoran. 'We were honored to be the first Chamber in Florida to participate, and it has been inspiring to see students like Noah thrive in this competition.'
The National Civics Bee is an initiative founded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the goal of which is to promote a passion for civic learning among middle schoolers like Noah, the release said.
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'This is an incredible achievement for Noah, and we couldn't be prouder,' Okaloosa County Schools Superintendent Marcus Chambers said. 'His dedication to civic education and ability to excel on such a competitive stage speaks volumes. We look forward to cheering him on as he represents Florida at the national level.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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