Educators Win Awards in Extended Civic Star Challenge
News related to:Bill of Rights Institute · 2 min read
ARLINGTON, VA, UNITED STATES, October 6, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Bill of Rights Institute and iCivics have announced the latest round of winners in the Civic Star Challenge, a nationwide initiative that recognizes educators who connect America’s founding ideals to contemporary civic learning. The contest, which initially ran through July 4, 2026, to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, has been extended until December 15, 2026, with three additional contest periods and a total of $50,000 in prizes.
Educators who have successfully integrated themes from the Declaration of Independence and civic learning into their classrooms are eligible to win. The contest focuses on three key areas: civic action, media literacy, and debate and dialogue. Winners are chosen from three grade bands: K, 5, 6-8, and 9-12. Each period awards $5,000 to one educator in each grade band, for a total of nine winners overall. Additionally, four honorable mentions of $1,250 each will be awarded across the challenge.
The most recent winners are: - Dina Siembak from Schwarzkopf Elementary School in Lutz, Florida - Payton Ashby from South Sevier Middle School in Monroe, Utah - Juan Moguel from Warren Early College High School in Warrenton, North Carolina - Patrick Walters from Joaquin Miller Middle School in San Jose, California (honorable mention)
iCivics CEO Louise Dubé emphasized the importance of connecting the Declaration of Independence to students' lives.
The Civic Star Challenge is made possible through generous support from Griffin Catalyst, the civic engagement initiative of Citadel Founder and CEO Ken Griffin, The James Irvine Foundation, The Stand Together Trust, and The Pedersen Foundation.
The James Irvine Foundation, a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation dedicated to expanding opportunity for the people of California, has been a key supporter of the challenge. Since 1937, the Foundation has provided more than $2.92 billion in grants to organizations throughout California. The Foundation ended 2025 with $3.6 billion in assets and provided $160.2 million in grants.
The extension of the Civic Star Challenge until December 15, 2026, offers educators more opportunities to engage their students in meaningful civic learning and connect the principles of the Declaration of Independence to their daily lives.