Three Staten Island Students Finish Among Top Four at New York State National Civics Bee Competition
The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of three Staten Island middle school students who represented the borough at the 2026 New York State National Civics Bee, held Wednesday, July 1 at the Albany Capital Center.
Hosted by The Business Council of New York State in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the statewide competition brought together top student finalists from across New York to demonstrate their knowledge of civics, government, and community engagement. Modeled after traditional academic bees, the National Civics Bee encourages sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students to deepen their understanding of civics while developing thoughtful solutions to improve their communities. The state champion advances to the National Civics Bee National Championship in Washington, D.C.
Representing Staten Island were the top three finalists from the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce's second annual National Civics Bee competition:
Inaya Adeel, a Grade 8 student at I.S. 72 Rocco Laurie, earned Second Place in New York State and received a $500 cash prize.
Christopher Mosses, a Grade 7 student at the Academy of St. Dorothy, placed Third in New York State and received a $250 cash prize.
Theodore Penfold, a Grade 7 homeschool student, finished an impressive Fourth in New York State.
The students advanced to the state competition after finishing as the top three finalists in the Staten Island Chamber's local competition earlier this year. At the local event, Christopher Mosses was crowned Staten Island champion, earning a $500 cash prize. Theodore Penfold received the second place award and a $250 cash prize, while Inaya Adeel earned third place and a $125 cash prize.
"This was an incredible showing for Staten Island," said Linda Baran, President and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, who attended the state competition in Albany. "To have all three of our students finish among the top four in New York State is something our entire borough should be proud of."
"One of the reasons we're proud to bring the National Civics Bee to Staten Island is because it encourages young people to learn about how government works, think about the challenges facing their communities, and realize that they can make a difference. We want students to understand that civic responsibility doesn't begin when you become an adult. It starts now by getting involved, solving problems, and taking an interest in the future of your community."
The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce also congratulates Anika Das, representing the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce and the Fayetteville-Manlius School District, who captured the 2026 New York State National Civics Bee Championship. Anika will go on to represent New York at the National Civics Bee National Championship in Washington, D.C. We wish her the very best as she competes on the national stage.
The National Civics Bee is an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation designed to inspire young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve as the local host, helping encourage the next generation of informed, engaged citizens.
For more information about the National Civics Bee and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, visit www.sichamber.com.