Greater Shreveport Chamber hosts National Civics Bee regional competition
SHREVEPORT, La. - The Greater Shreveport Chamber hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee Regional Competition on Tuesday at Louisiana State University Shreveport, marking the first time the program has been held in Caddo Parish.
SHREVEPORT, La. - The Greater Shreveport Chamber hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee Regional Competition on Tuesday at Louisiana State University Shreveport, marking the first time the program has been held in Caddo Parish.
More than 100 middle school students from across the parish submitted essays for the inaugural competition. These essays identified community issues and proposed solutions rooted in civic engagement.
The winner, Bhavik Kondala from Caddo Middle Magnet, says he plans to execute the plan he laid out in his speech this summer.
"When I first won, it was just a surreal moment," said Kondala. "I really did not think I was going to win."
Evan Kindred and Charlotte Camp, who both attend Southfield School, earned second and third place honors.
Kondala received a $500 cash prize and, along with the Kindred and Camp, will advance to compete in the Louisiana State Civics Bee Finals. Top state finalists will compete for prizes of up to $1,000, with the state champion advancing to the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C.
The state competition is held in partnership with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.