The Ladue School District proudly congratulates Charlie Fan, an 8th-grade student at Ladue Middle School, for his outstanding performance in the 2025 National Civics Bee® regional competition hosted by the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce. Charlie earned 2nd place, securing his spot at the Missouri State Finals this August at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Charlie was one of 17 talented middle school students selected to compete in the regional round after submitting a top-tier civics essay in the first phase of the competition. Students demonstrated their understanding of American government, civic responsibility, and current events at the live event through a series of challenging knowledge rounds and a dynamic Q&A session. Charlie's exceptional performance and composure earned him a place among the state’s most promising young civic scholars.

The National Civics Bee®, an initiative of The Civic Trust® at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is designed to inspire middle schoolers to become more actively engaged in their communities and American democracy. Students practice engaging respectfully and constructively, and build trust in others and institutions. As they compete for prizes, students strengthen their civics, writing, and public speaking skills, and form friendships with other young leaders.

As Charlie prepares for the state finals at Mizzou this summer, he stands just one step away from the National Championship in Washington, D.C., where top students nationwide will compete for national recognition and prizes worth at least $50,000.

Please join us in celebrating Charlie Fan’s success and wishing him the very best as he heads to the state competition!