ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – An Anchorage middle-schooler took home a big trophy and a major wad of cash this week in a historic moment in the nation’s capital.

Romig Middle School eighth-grader Emily Brubaker took home an inaugural victory and a hefty monetary prize of $100,000 after the first National Civics Bee competition.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee was designed to inspire student interest in civics, with Tuesday’s inaugural National Civics Bee taking place in Washington, D.C.

Following her win in the statewide Alaska Bee in June, Brubaker and her parents headed for the capitol, along with 27 other young, civic-minded Americans.

Finalists showcased their knowledge with team challenges, presentations, and a buzzer round; the winner was ultimately decided with a final cumulative score.

With the commotion of the competition, Brubaker said she wasn’t certain if she was in first, or if her fellow contestant Michael O’Mara from Iowa would take it.

“I was so nervous, because after that fourth round — the buzzer round, where I had tied with Michael — I wasn’t sure if I even had a chance or not,” Brubaker said. “They announced the third-place winner, Keith from New Mexico, and then the second-place winner, Michael from Iowa, and then they brought out the CEO of the Daniels fund to announce the first-place winner.

“When it was me, I actually started crying on camera.”

Brubaker says she was shocked upon hearing the announcement.

She walked onstage and was handed a larger-than-life check while streamers popped out of cannons.

“There was just a moment where it clicked, like she could really win this, you know, she could actually maybe win it,” Brubaker’s father, Brian Brubaker said.

He said watching his daughter practice and perfect her speech made him proud.

Each contestant in the Bee chose a subject for a public address. Some contestants chose civic issues like gun violence or voting, but Brubaker chose a matter closer to her heart.

Born with a genetic anomaly called ectodermal dysplasia — a disorder that affects hair, skin, sweat glands and teeth — Brubaker said she has been an advocate for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act since she was six years old.

The ELSA act would require private insurance companies to cover services to improve the lives of people born with genetic anomalies, like ectodermal dysplasia.

Brubaker, who expects she will eventually face large amounts of dental work related to her diagnosis, believes her advocacy will greatly improve the lives of people who share her experience should ELSA pass.

“We need more advocates like you who can help get this bill passed, which can not only affect my life, but also, like many people’s lives around the country,” Brubaker said. “Even though this bill would affect the minority, it would greatly impact the lives of certain individuals.”

Brubaker departed the capitol with a winning title and a sizeable prize. She said she intends to use the $100,000 in a 529 Plan (which covers tuition or other higher education expenses) to attend MIT.

Brubaker says while she’s “only” 14, she’d like to work as a satellite and spacecraft programmer at NASA.

Her father believes her success at the Civics Bee is a relief, and removes some of the pressure families like theirs might face when their child requires more medical care than others.

“Her teeth impacts are not as bad as some other folks who have ectodermal dysplasia, but we haven’t yet had to do a lot of dental work,” Brian Brubaker said. ”It’s going to come soon, and we’ll have to do what we have to do, but for a lot of families, it’s choosing between putting money in their college fund or helping get started in life, or doing their getting their teeth done.”

The 2024 National Civics Bee only included 27 contestants, each representing a single state. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce plans to continue boosting its competition, currently intending to have all 50 states represented in 2026 for the 250th anniversary of the United States.

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Alaska’s congressional delegation announced on Tuesday that $104 million will go towards port and maritime infrastructure projects around the state.

According to a joint press release from Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan as well as Rep. Mary Peltola, the funding is spread across six coastal communities: Anchorage, Dillingham, Hoonah, Juneau, Kodiak and Saint Paul.

“With so many communities across the state inaccessible by road, ports are essential to our supply chain and distributing key resources that Alaskans need,” Murkowski said.

Anchorage will receive the largest cut by far, about $50 million for a new general cargo terminal at the Port of Alaska. Each of the others will receive about $11 million towards their respective projects.

The money headed to Kodiak will go to the St. Herman Harbor on Near Island. While the project is expected to cost about $60 million, the new funds will make up about 18.3 percent of the total needed.

The funds are appropriated through the federal government’s Port Infrastructure Development Program. That’s part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was signed by President Joe Biden back in 2021.

Big in the wilderness and formidable in landscape features, Alaska also contains small, tight-knit communities where history, culture, and nature remain perfectly preserved. Because the formidable Alaskan landscapes have fewer than one person per square mile, towns and villages in the state have residents that forge relationships as enduring as the mountain chains and rivers here. Beyond the big towns, name any other city in Alaska, and it has something unique to say, be it about the Gold Rush, Native Alaskan’s heritage, or just plain everyday survival. From the end of the Iditarod in Nome to the artist haven of Ester, tradition, regard for the land, and welcome hospitality abound.

Nome

Rich history, Gold Rush charm, and exuberant community spirit set Nome apart as one of the most uniquely different towns. Located on the southern Seward Peninsula along the Bering Sea, Nome is designated as the finish line to the internationally famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the longest-running dogsled race anywhere in the world, running 1,049 miles.

Polar Café presents a warm, country-like atmosphere, while the Bering Sea Bar & Grill offers fresh catches of the day and typical Alaskan dishes representing Nome hospitality. During summer, the community embraces the absence of night with an annual event appropriately labeled the Midnight Sun Festival, centered around music, food, and cultural events.

The village is proud of its roots, which are fully displayed in The Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum. This site enables guests to seek out the Gold Rush past of Nome, significant exhibitions about early pioneers, and Native Alaskan cultures that shaped the area. Outdoorsy folks might also want to try Anvil Mountain for views over Nome, providing a glimpse into its significance in the Cold War – with four massive “White Alice” antennas still standing here.

Haines

Placed at the northern end of the Lynn Canal, Haines is known for its spectacular natural beauty and incredible array of wildlife, all combined with a unique, small-town atmosphere. It is one of the most preferred destinations for North American eagles in the continent, where each November, Haines hosts the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival. This is a nature lover’s confluence to marvel at up to 3,000 eagles congregating in the Chilkat Valley.

The Haines Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center offers detailed insight into the town’s rich Tlingit heritage, as brought into view by artifacts and art representative of stories of tradition from the area’s indigenous people.

Local businesses such as the Port Chilkoot Distillery offer handcrafted spirits in small batches inspired by the region. When it is open, Sarah J’s Espresso Shop is a haven where residents can connect over coffee and fresh pastries. The Chilkat Valley, with its virgin beauty, is somehow a statement of the town’s efforts of preservation and attachment to nature and relationships within its community.

Juneau

Juneau is one of the most recognized municipalities in Alaska. As its capital, it is also one of the most heavily visited locations in the state. Alongside the Gastineau Channel and against mountains and wilderness, few towns have the natural appeal that Juneau has. Mendenhall Glacier is an excellent example: a nearly 14-mile expanse of ice offering recreation for tourists and locals year-round.

The Alaska State Museum features interactive exhibits on Native Alaskan cultures, early Russian colonies, and indigenous artwork that showcase the true history of The Last Frontier. Other local businesses, such as the Alaskan Fudge Company (best known among the town’s folks for its handmade sweets) and Salt Restaurant, for its inventive take on Alaskan food, offer a warm and inviting experience.

Every even-numbered year, tribes of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian gather for Celebration in a big event of dance, music, and art; such an occasion gives Juneau pride in its indigenous culture, instilling respect in unity within the community.

Homer

Dubbed the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” Homer boasts world-class sport fishing, stunning scenery, and small-town hospitality. Outdoorsy types can head down the Homer Spit: 4.5 miles of real estate jutting into Kachemak Bay, lined with galleries, shops, restaurants, and eateries reflecting Homer’s individual and creative spirit. The Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center features exhibits and educational programs on local marine ecology, allowing visitors to learn about the numerous ecosystems surrounding Homer.

Local businesses include hot spots such as the Bunnell Street Arts Center, which rotates exhibits throughout the year featuring Alaskan artists, and Two Sisters Bakery, which serves homemade pastries and many quirks.

Seward

Seward is often considered to be one of the prettiest communities in Alaska, both for the tightness of its neighborly spirit and its access to the fantastic sights of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. This national protected space offers much to the outdoor enthusiast, including spectacular views of the native wildlife here, like otters, whales, and puffins.

Although smaller compared to other towns like Juneau, Seward has its set of local businesses that travelers love: Zudy’s Café for fresh baking and The Cookery, which has fresh soul foods and plenty of choices for the visitors.

If all this was not enough to keep Seward going, it also hosts the Mount Marathon Race, a yearly grueling running event up and down Mount Marathon.

Ester

Ester is a quaint little town just outside Fairbanks with a personality all its own. Rooted in Alaska’s gold mining history, it’s a place where the past and creativity seemingly blend effortlessly. The locals like to make a stop or two at places like the Golden Eagle Saloon, a dive with an appealingly rustic quality, home to live music and greasy food. You also want to visit the Ester Community Market, a locale filled with handmade crafts, fresh produce, and friendly faces.

The summer’s high point is the Ester Funk Festival, which colorfully unites artists, musicians, and makers from all over to enjoy the free-spirited vibe in town. This is a great place for anyone to see the real, quirky Alaska.

Hoonah

Hoonah is the biggest Tlingit village in Southeast Alaska and offers visitors a real plunge into Alaskan Native culture and hospitality. On Chichagof Island, Hoonah has the tourist destination of Icy Strait Point, which includes whale-watching excursions, Native American heritage learning packages, and natural beauty exploration. The architectural genius of Huna Tribal House, with all the intricate carvings, showcases the strength of the community and pride in their culture.

Businesses like Hooked Adventures, offering fishing tours, and the renowned gift shop The Fishermen’s Daughter contribute toward making Hoonah welcoming. Hoonah Harbor Days are annual events bringing together residents and visitors for the town’s nautical history and Native traditions that develop pride and camaraderie among the people.

Talkeetna

Talkeetna lies right at the foot of Denali and offers a little Alaskan attitude mixed with adventure and humor. People come from around the state to the annual Moose Dropping Festival, aptly named for its games, contests, and light-hearted fun. The festival celebrates Talkeetna’s pride in its unique community.

For those who want to know more about the community, the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum is a place that will show you how the settlement was started as a supply station for expeditions through Denali.

Converse with locals about the culture; visit the Denali Brewing Company, which serves fine crafts in beers, or Talkeetna Roadhouse, which is famous for feasts combined with friendliness. Vibrant residents and the richness in history make Talkeetna a warm, inviting stop in any Alaskan adventure.

Wrangell

Wrangell is a tiny town on Wrangell Island, Southeast Alaska, full of small-town charm and community spirit. The Wrangell Museum features great exhibits on the Tlingit heritage of this area, Russian influences, and logging history, thus offering a very interesting perspective on the past life in town.

Meanwhile, the annual Wrangell Bearfest celebrates the remarkable population of bears in the area. This is where locals and guests join in for educational presentations, guided tours, and a community barbecue.

With water-view hangouts like the Stikine Inn and Stik Cafe, it’s easy to converse with locals over a hot drink. The beautiful natural surroundings and friendly residents make Wrangell the perfect town for visitors who enjoy its history and nature with a side order of hospitality.

Discover the Heart of Alaska’s Tight-Knit Towns

Alaskan small towns are more than beautiful getaways – they are communities within which residents have family bonds and preserve traditions that still reverberate with the state’s pioneering spirit. From Homer’s bustling halibut fishing docks to Hoonah’s busting cultural festivals, every place opens some panoramic view of the unique tapestry of Alaskan life. In venturing through these tight-knit towns, visitors are afforded a genuinely authentic experience that far outstrips the awe-inspiring landscapes and provides a much deeper insight into what it’s like to live, work, and celebrate in America’s Last Frontier.