Ava Bogard: Using Civic Knowledge to Lead and Shape Kentucky’s Future
For many middle school students, civics can feel distant. It is something you learn for a test, not something that shapes real life. But for Calloway County eighth grader Ava Bogard, civics became personal when she started asking a bigger question: Who gets to fully participate in our democracy, and who is left out?
As she explored voting rights and civic participation in preparation for the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s National Civics Bee®, she learned how the process of restoring voting rights for individuals convicted of felonies is complicated and out of reach for many Kentuckians. For Ava, pursuing this topic took courage because it meant engaging with a challenging issue and trusting that informed civic leadership can lead to meaningful change.
“Through participating in the National Civics Bee, I cultivated a passion for civics, public policy, and activism that I did not have prior. I found my voice and learned to use it to advocate for others,” Ava shared.
Created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation brought the National Civics Bee to Kentucky, giving students like Ava an opportunity to build civic knowledge, strengthen critical thinking skills, and connect with real issues facing their community.
The National Civics Bee moves beyond memorization, challenging students to research, write, and present solutions that reflect civics knowledge and leadership. Just as importantly, it creates space for young people to engage in thoughtful conversations about issues where perspectives may differ — reinforcing that civil discourse, respectful dialogue, and informed engagement are essential to a strong democracy.
After advancing through her regional competition in western Kentucky, Ava won the state-level competition and earned the opportunity to represent Kentucky at the 2025 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. There, she won fifth place out of 39 states.
As a finalist, Ava delivered a standout presentation focused on felon disenfranchisement and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Her speech emphasized that civic participation matters not only as a principle but as a pathway to economic opportunity. Her message was clear, prepared, and grounded in real-world impact. Ava’s story highlights the impact of empowering students to engage seriously with democracy and equipping them to do so thoughtfully. By researching a complex issue and presenting her ideas thoughtfully, Ava demonstrated the analytical skills, communication ability, and confidence that define strong leaders.
Civic education is about more than knowledge. It is about preparing young people to participate constructively in their communities and contribute to informed public dialogue. Through the National Civics Bee®, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation is helping develop the next generation of leaders who understand issues, respect and welcome diverse perspectives, and engage with purpose.
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