Osceola County’s own Araoluwakiitan Afolabi, a 9th‑grade student at NeoCity Academy, brought home a $25,000 college scholarship after placing second in the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s live National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. The competition, which draws top middle‑school students from every state, challenges participants to demonstrate how civics can improve their communities.
Local roots, national stage
Afolabi represented Florida among 52 competitors from grades six through eight across the nation’s 49 states. A middle‑school teacher at Voyager K‑8 in St. Cloud first encouraged him to enter, noting the student’s passion for public service and his ability to articulate complex issues.
Human‑trafficking awareness at the forefront
During the live event, Afolabi chose to focus his presentation on human‑trafficking awareness, a pressing concern for families across Osceola County and the broader state. He argued that informed citizens are the first line of defense against this modern‑day slavery, urging schools and community groups to adopt proactive education programs.
Following his success, Afolabi proposed a partnership with the Osceola School District to expand human‑trafficking education throughout local schools. “The Civics Bee is a way to share your voice, to share your passions, to share what you believe in and also to fix something that is really important,” he said after the competition.
District support and next steps
Dr. Mark Shanoff, superintendent of the Osceola School District, praised Afolabi’s initiative and pledged to work with the student on a district‑wide awareness plan. “I look forward to working with him on the proposal that he has shared about what it’s going to take to ensure every student in Osceola County is well aware of what human trafficking is,” Shanoff said.
The district plans to convene a task force of educators, law‑enforcement officials, and community leaders to develop age‑appropriate curricula and outreach events. If approved, the program could reach thousands of middle‑school students in the coming school year.
Scholarship boost for higher education
In addition to the honor of placing second nationally, Afolabi received a $25,000 scholarship earmarked for his college education. The award will help offset tuition costs as he prepares to pursue further studies, likely in political science or public policy, fields that align with his demonstrated civic interest.
Local leaders, parents, and fellow students celebrated the achievement at a small ceremony held at NeoCity Academy. Many expressed pride that a home‑grown student could compete on a national stage while championing a cause that directly impacts families in the county.
Community impact
Afolabi’s success underscores the importance of encouraging youth participation in civics and public discourse. By highlighting a real‑world issue and proposing actionable solutions, the student exemplifies the values of responsibility, faith, and family that many Osceola residents hold dear.
Community members are invited to attend upcoming school‑district meetings where the human‑trafficking awareness proposal will be discussed. The district hopes to launch the program early next year, providing resources and training for teachers, parents, and students alike.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
