OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Mustang eighth-grader Jessica Mabry will represent Oklahoma at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., after winning the Oklahoma State Final Civics Bee on Tuesday.
Mabry, a student at Mustang Central Middle School, earned first place after competing against 11 other middle school finalists in a live quiz, speech competition, and question-and-answer session at Innovation Hall in Oklahoma City.
Her winning civics essay and speech focused on mental health challenges facing teenagers and the need for schools to create safe spaces where students can regroup, manage stress, and find support.
“A lot of teens are going through depression, and there are a lot of hard things in our lives,” Mabry said. “I wanted to find a solution.”
Mabry said her proposal explored creating spaces at school where students could calm down and feel more supported during difficult moments.
The National Civics Bee, hosted in Oklahoma for the third year by The State Chamber of Oklahoma, is organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The competition is designed to help middle school students better understand American democracy, engage in their communities, and develop civic knowledge.
Mabry said her history teacher encouraged the class to participate, and the competition gave her a deeper appreciation for how government and the Constitution shape the country.
“I learned a lot through studying,” Mabry said. “I learned more about how the government operates and the Constitution.”
Ahmet Kara of Stillwater Junior High finished second, and Umar Aslam of Casady School in Oklahoma City placed third. Mabry received a $1,000 prize and will advance to the national competition in November, where students will compete for up to $100,000 in scholarships.
“I’m really excited,” Mabry said. “I didn’t expect to get this far, and I think it will be a really fun experience.”
She said she is looking forward to meeting students from across the country and plans to keep studying ahead of the national competition.
“We’re excited to see so many bright Oklahoma students engage in civics through this unique event,” said Brent Skarky, senior vice president of communications for The State Chamber. “It is a great opportunity for students who want to become more active in government and their communities.”
