The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce announced on May 20 that Rishi Tirumalasetty, a seventh-grade student at Katy Junior High School, has won first place at the Texas State Finals of the National Civics Bee®, held on Saturday, May 17 at Crum Auditorium, McCombs School of Business in Austin.

Tirumalasetty advanced to the state finals after placing second in the local competition in Katy on April 5, held at the University of Houston-Victoria at Katy campus, 22400 Grand Circle Blvd.

Tirumalasetty’s outstanding performance at the state level earned him the top spot among middle school students from across Texas. He will now advance to the National Civics Bee® Championship in Washington, D.C. this November, where he will represent the state of Texas on a national stage. He also received a $1,000.00 prize as the first place winner.

"We are incredibly proud of Rishi's achievement," said Stacy Jacobs, VP of Business Development at the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. "His success reflects the power of civic education and the bright future of our youth. We are honored to support students like Rishi who are passionate about making a diAerence in their communities."

The competition tested students on their knowledge of American history, government, and civic participation through written essays, multiple-choice questions, and oral responses to civics-related scenarios.

About the National Civics Bee®

The National Civics Bee® is a nonpartisan competition organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's The Civic Trust®, in partnership with local and state chambers across the country. The Bee encourages middle school students to engage in civics and develop the knowledge and skills needed to be informed and active citizens.