The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the U.S. Chamber, will host a regional competition of the 2026 National Civics Bee. The live quiz competition will be held on Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m. at The Carson Center.

Middle school students were asked to submit an essay application in February. Essays were judged by panel of community members from throughout Western Kentucky. The top 20 finalists and their parents were notified in March they were chosen to compete in the live competition.

The finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $500 cash for the first-place student. The top three winners at the Paducah Chamber’s competition will then have a chance to compete against other middle school students from across the state at the state level competition later this summer.

Data Records Management Services and The Carson Center are Presidential Sponsors.