ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Several metro area students participated in the National Civics Bee this year, looking to take the next step towards a national competition. More than 150 students across the metro submitted essays on civic engagement and community improvement, with 20 finalists selecte d to compete in Saturday's event at UNM. The competition aims to inspire middle school-aged students to engage with government, leadership, and civic responsibility. Saturday's event was won by Keith Lee, who placed third in the national competition last year. New APS high school aims to help immigrant and refugee families adjust to life in the U.S. Lee wrote his essay on fixing New Mexico's education crisis. "Whenever you are feeling negative toward school, you generally do not learn as well as when you have a positive mindset. So really, a big part of learning is to always have your mind in the right place and go to school every day ready to learn," says Keith Lee, 2025 Civics Bee Winner. Those who are placed in the top five will advance to the state competition in June. ...read more read less