Emily Brubaker, a 14-year-old from Anchorage, Alaska, has won the first-ever National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. She triumphed over finalists from 27 states on November 12 to secure a massive $100,000 prize. Her victory is a testament to her deep civic knowledge and a long-standing passion for advocacy, which began when she was just six years old. Her story highlights the power of youth engagement in national issues.
A Stellar Performance in the Capital
The national competition, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, was the final stage for young students who had already won their statewide bees. Emily secured her spot after winning the Alaska competition in June. Her journey to Washington, D.C., accompanied by her parents and grandmother, was the culmination of months of hard work.
Emily’s preparation was thorough and creative. “I prepared by studying regularly, having friends quiz me on Supreme Court cases, and watching educational movies about President John Adams and the Pentagon Papers,” she explained. This dedicated approach helped her navigate five challenging rounds of competition.
Her family felt the pressure at every stage. “Every round we were so nervous,” said her father, Brian Brubaker. Their support was a crucial factor in her ability to remain focused and confident throughout the high-stakes event.
A Personal Fight on a National Stage
Emily’s motivation extends far beyond academic achievement. She lives with a rare congenital condition called hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, which impacts her hair, skin, and teeth. This personal challenge has fueled her passion for civic action since she was a young child.
During her acceptance speech, Emily shared the stark reality faced by many families. “According to the CDC, one in 33 babies born in the U.S. has a rare congenital anomaly. These people can expect to get three to five major surgeries in their lives regarding their condition, which insurance won’t pay for.”
For her family, the financial implications are significant. She explained that she is missing numerous teeth and faces extensive dental work that could cost over $100,000. The prize money provides immediate and much-needed relief from this financial burden.
Championing the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
Emily is not new to the world of legislative advocacy. For years, she has been a vocal supporter of the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA), a bill designed to address the very insurance gaps her family faces.
Her work on this bill set her apart from the other competitors. The judges noted that her advocacy was not a hypothetical future goal but a present-day reality. “She has already done what many of the finalists talked about she might do,” one judge remarked.
Her efforts have already yielded significant results. Here is a summary of the progress on ELSA:
- Goal: To amend federal law and require health insurance companies to cover treatments for congenital anomalies.
- Key Milestone: In 2022, the bill passed in the House of Representatives with a bipartisan supermajority.
- Current Status: The bill did not pass the Senate in 2022 but is expected to be reintroduced.
Emily’s relentless work in meeting with lawmakers and promoting the bill demonstrates a level of civic engagement that is rare for someone her age.
A Bright Future Fueled by Victory
The $100,000 prize includes a college savings plan, which will help Emily pursue her ambitious goals. She has expressed interest in studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and dreams of becoming a satellite programmer for NASA.
Her victory is more than a personal win; it shines a national spotlight on the importance of civic education and youth involvement. Emily’s story serves as a powerful inspiration, proving that young people can drive meaningful change on critical issues.
As she looks to the future, Emily plans to continue her advocacy for ELSA while pursuing her academic dreams. Her success at the National Civics Bee is just the beginning of a promising journey for this remarkable young leader from Alaska.
