The Bridge of Southern New Mexico Celebrates Successful Las Cruces Regional Civics Bee Competition
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The Bridge of Southern New Mexico is proud to celebrate the success of the Las Cruces Regional Civics Bee Competition, held on April 25, 2026, on New Mexico State University’s campus in the Corbett Center Ballrooms.
The event brought together middle school students from across the southern region to demonstrate their civic knowledge, public speaking skills, and commitment to addressing real issues in their communities. Students in grades 6–8 participated in the competition by submitting essays, preparing presentations, and answering questions from a panel of judges centered on civic engagement, problem-solving, and community impact.
The Bridge of Southern New Mexico facilitated the full event process, including planning, student recruitment, essay coordination, participant communication, judging organization, logistics, event execution, and follow-up with winners advancing to the state competition in Albuquerque. The state competition will be held on June 13, 2026, at Berna Facio PD Center.
“The Las Cruces Regional Civics Bee gave students a meaningful platform to share their ideas, strengthen their confidence, and see themselves as active participants in shaping their communities,” said Beth Williams. “We are incredibly proud of every student who participated, and we are excited to see our local winners represent the region at the state level.”
This year’s winners were:
1st Place: Marcus Li, Camino Real Middle School
2nd Place: Levi Napie, T or C Middle School
3rd Place: Anton Ceasar, T or C Middle School
The three winners will advance to the state competition in Albuquerque, where they will continue competing with students from across New Mexico.
The competition featured a full group of 20 student participants representing several regional schools, including Lynn Middle School, Hatch Valley Middle School, Camino Real Middle School, T or C Middle School, and Las Cruces Catholic School.
Participating students included Aleeya Arriaga, Amy Zheng, Annabelle Sheen, Anton Ceasar, Arlo Medina, Audrey Fitzherbert, Cassadee Frederick, Cillian Flynn, Evelyn De Leon, Ezra Salaiz, Franklin Hodson, Jimena Pasillas Arizpe, Jordyn Brown, Kai-Nesha Kelly, Levi Napie, Luna Lunazul Looney, Marcus Li, Maria Quintero, Owen Wells, and Samara Villa.
Additional qualifying students included Aiden Fisher of Lynn Middle School, Jedrek Nicoll of Red Mountain Middle School, and Zoe Borunda of Red Mountain Middle School.
The Bridge of Southern New Mexico extends its gratitude to the students, families, schools, judges, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who helped make the event possible. Their support helped create an opportunity for young people to explore civic responsibility, strengthen leadership skills, and present thoughtful solutions to issues affecting their communities.
Sponsors and supporters included El Paso Electric, Franklin Mountain Packaging, The Bridge of Southern New Mexico, Daniels Fund, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Document Services, Amy Daniels Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, Azurite Professional Services, Las Cruces Public Schools, NMSU College of HEST, FYI+, Memorial Medical Center, First American Bank, Doña Ana Community College, Citizens Bank, HB Construction, Jaynes Construction, and Hatch Valley Public Schools.
As The Bridge of Southern New Mexico continues its work to strengthen education, workforce, and community pathways across the region, the organization looks forward to growing the Las Cruces Regional Civics Bee Competition and expanding opportunities for students to engage in civic life.
About The Bridge of Southern New Mexico
The Bridge of Southern New Mexico works to connect education, business, government, and community partners to strengthen pathways for students, families, and the regional workforce. Through collaboration and community-based initiatives, The Bridge supports efforts that help young people succeed in school, careers, and civic life.
Beth Williams & Mason Schuette
President/CEO & Operations Specialist
The Bridge of Southern New Mexico
(575) 652-6825
info@thebridgeofsnm.org
