Civic Bee Winners Clinic

Gilbert, AZ – April 2025 — In a spirited effort to empower young leaders and bolster their confidence ahead of the Arizona State Civics Bee, the Gilbert Chamber Foundation hosted a dedicated interview clinic for the winners of the Queen Creek and Gilbert National Civics Bee competitions. The event, held this month, was designed to equip these bright middle schoolers with the tools, insights, and poise they’ll need to shine in the next round of competition on May 2.

The interview clinic gave students the chance to refine their public speaking skills, receive professional feedback, and practice delivering their essay presentations in a supportive, real-world setting. Local business leaders, civic professionals, and educators participated in mock interview panels, offering tailored coaching on how to present ideas clearly, answer questions confidently, and convey passion for their civic topics.

Key to the clinic’s success were the dedicated and esteemed volunteer judges: Sarah Miller, Jessica Kasten, Doug Daley, and Nickki Micale—all accomplished educators known for their commitment to student success. Their thoughtful feedback and encouragement created a powerful learning environment that allowed each student to grow in confidence and polish their presentations with expert guidance.

“The clinic is about much more than just preparation—it’s about empowerment,” said Elaine Kessler, Director of Workforce and Community Partnerships at the Gilbert Chamber Foundation. “We’re helping these students step into the next phase of competition with not just stronger presentation skills, but also a deeper belief in their voice and their ability to make a difference.”

This initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to cultivating civic engagement and leadership among youth in the East Valley. It follows the success of last year’s clinic, which was credited as a pivotal moment for Gilbert’s 2024 National Civics Bee State Champion, who went on to place 5th in the nation—a tremendous achievement that inspired this year’s cohort.

“Last year’s results showed us how important this kind of support can be,” said Kessler. “It gave our students a competitive edge and, more importantly, a sense of readiness. We’re optimistic that this year’s participants will carry that same momentum.”

The Arizona State Bee, part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s National Civics Bee, will take place on May 2, bringing together young civic-minded thinkers from across the state to share their ideas on how to strengthen their communities.

With last year’s victory setting the bar high, all eyes are now on Gilbert and Queen Creek’s newest civic champions. And thanks to initiatives like the interview clinic—and the support of educators like Miller, Kasten, Daley, and Micale—they’ll be ready to rise to the occasion.

For more information about the Gilbert Chamber Foundation’s youth programs and initiatives, visit https://gilbertaz.com/