On Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2026, at the AVO Theater in Historic Vista, the Vista Chamber of Commerce hosted a regional competition for the National Civics Bee. Eight students were asked two rounds of civics-based questions to showcase their understanding of topics such as the Constitution, branches of government, and civic responsibilities.
Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber, was the MC for the event. She invited the audience members to play along as spectators. They were asked to scan a QR code to participate as she read the questions to the students and the audience.
The panel of judges were Civic Leaders Jeffrey Fox Councilmember City of Vista, Denisse Barragan Fix Auto Vista and Zeke Corley Your Insurance Place.
After the first two rounds, the top five with the most correct answers moved to the finalist round. Each of the finalists had to explain their ideas for addressing real challenges in their communities and answer questions from the panel of judges about their essay.
The combination of scores from all the different rounds, and the judges scores, provided the top 3 students:
1. Siddhartha C./8th Grade Thurgood Marshall Middle School. He received a check for $500.00 and will represent the region in the Sacramento competition.
2. Madilyn C./8th Grade Guajome Park Academy. She received a check for $250.00 and will also represent the region in the Sacramento competition.
3. Linnea S./8th Grade at Pacific Ridge School. She received a check for $125.00 and will also represent the region in the Sacramento competition.
There were nine 2026 finalists:
Adriana H. 8th Grade/Calavera Hills Middle School
Janeth G. 8th Grade/Calavera Hills Middle School
Linnea S. 8th Grade/Pacific Ridge School
Michael C. 8th Grade/Calavera Hills Middle School
Caleb P. 8th Grade/Calavera Hills Middle School
Liam M. 8th Grade/Calavera Hills Middle School
Madilyn C. 8th Grade/Guajome Park Academy
Siddhartha C. 8th Grade/Thurgood Marshall Middle School
Skylar B. 6th Grade/Tri-City Christian School
All of the participants received certificates from the United States Chamber of Commerce, the City of Vista and State Assembly member Laurie Davies. Each student received a Galaxy Tablet.
The next round of competitions will be in June 2026.
We want to thank all of the sponsors, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the City of Vista and Bill Hornung – Humble Pie Communications.
