Katy Junior High student to represent Texas in national civics competition
KATY, TX [May 23, 2025] – Rising from among the state’s best, Katy Junior High student Rishi Tirumalasetty will represent Katy ISD and Texas at the National Civics Bee® Championship this November in Washington, D.C., after earning first place at the National Civics Bee® Texas State Finals this month. The top ranked honor earned Tirumalasetty a check for $1,000.
Similar to a geography bee, the Civics Bee® tests participants’ knowledge of American history, government and civic engagement through written essays, multiple-choice questions and oral responses to topic-based scenarios.
“We are so proud of Rishi for earning this honor and for representing our campus and District at the state competition,” said Carrie Lowery, Katy Junior High principal. “We wish him the best at the national competition, and his Katy Tiger family will be rooting for him.”
Tirumalasetty advanced to the state competition from the Katy Area Civics Bee, hosted by the Katy Area Chamber in April.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation organizes the National Civics Bee® in partnership with local and state chambers across the country, inviting local junior high school students to demonstrate and share their ideas on how to be an informed and active citizen. Students advance from local chamber events to state competition, culminating in the national event held each fall.
Earning first place at the 2025 National Civics Bee® Texas State Finals, Katy Junior High student Rishi Tirumalasetty will represent Texas at the National Civics Bee® Championship in November.