Adams Presidential Center

On Thursday, June 11th The Adams Presidential Center partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host the National Civics Bee Massachusetts State Finals at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, MA, where participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders flexed their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes.

The nonpartisan civics competition aims to encourage young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Middle schoolers from across the state were chosen as finalists through essay submissions and top placement in the regional competition.

We are pleased to share the 2026 National Civics Bee Massachusetts State Finals winners:
1st Place, Shelby Schenck, 8th Grade
2nd Place, Avish Sharma, 8th Grade
3rd Place, Aariana Gawande , 6th Grade

Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge throughout Massachusetts and celebrating our civic pride. MA State Finalist Winner, Shelby Schenck, will compete in the National Civics Bee National Championship in Washington, DC in Fall 2026.

Winners are pictured here with Master of Ceremonies, APC President Kurt and Judges, Erin Perkins, Assistant Superintendent of Quincy Public Schools & APC Board Member, Philip Chong, President & CEO of Quincy Asian Resources, Inc. and Sadie Troy, Director of Education, Adams Presidential Center.

The Adams Presidential Center Emerging Leaders Seminar inaugrual class gathered in Quincy, MA to explore the enduring principles of leadership and citizenship through the extraordinary legacy of John Adams and his family in our Emerging Leaders program.

In addition to learning through John Adams' civic leadership case studies and conversations with contemporary leaders on the APC Board, participants were able to step into history through exclusive access to Adams family homes, historical sites and landmarks in City of Quincy and Boston. Highlights included Quincy Historical Society & Museum, Adams Farm at Penn's Hill (John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces), Old House at Peace field at Adams National Historical Park, Adams Crypt at United First Parish Church, Old State House, and Old South Meeting House.

"In this recent, thought-provoking article from The Conversation, historians explore the differing visions of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson—two revolutionary leaders whose debates about government, liberty, and the future of the United States continued even into their final years.

Though their political disagreements shaped the early republic, their enduring correspondence also reminds us of something equally important: that civic dialogue, intellectual exchange, and debate have always been central to the American experiment.

As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary, their story offers a timely reminder that democracy has long depended on the ability to disagree, reflect, and continue the conversation.

📖 Read the full article: ""John Adams and Thomas Jefferson disagreed about the American Revolution’s meaning—even as they lay dying""

https://theconversation.com/john-adams-and-thomas-jefferson-disagreed-about-the-american-revolutions-meaning-even-as-they-lay-dying-278347

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John Adams and Thomas Jefferson disagreed about the American Revolution’s meaning even as they lay dying The founding generation in America was not of one mind. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson differed on crucial ideas, but exemplify the capacity for people to disagree and yet work for a common cause.

Today, six extraordinary students (3 Quincy High School Seniors, 3 North Quincy High School Seniors) were recognized for their exceptional commitment to civic responsibility through meaningful community service. The inaugural Adams Civic Impact Awards in partnership with Quincy Public Schools were presented to Emily Chen, Elmeria Cheung, Angelina Lin, Lily Chen, Shayed Zaman, and Bushra Shah. Congratulations to all for making a difference in their community! “To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.” John Adams 🇺🇸❤️