Wauwatosa West team 2 wins 2026 Wisconsin Civics Games State Finals

MADISON, Wis.-A team from Wauwatosa West High School has won the 2026 Wisconsin Civics Games state championship, the Universities of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation (WNAF) announced today after a day-long competition focused on civics, history, government, and current events.

The Civics Games, presented by the Universities of Wisconsin in partnership with the WNAF, featured 16 teams from across the state vying for the crown at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

The winning students from Wauwatosa West team 2 are Elliott Engbring, William Moertl, Benjamin Nowacek, and Madelyn Ullsperger, each earning a $2,000 scholarship to a Wisconsin college or university of their choice. The team is advised by Chad Mateske.

A team from Wauwatosa East High School took second place, and the team from Grafton High School earned third place. Overall, 49 teams from 29 schools across Wisconsin participated in preliminary competitions last month that determined which teams would advance to the state finals.

The Wisconsin Civics Games finals today featured introductory remarks by Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Chief Justice Jill Karofsky, Deputy Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction Rich Judge, and Chris Patton, Executive-in-Charge of the Universities of Wisconsin.

The Civics Games state championship judges included State Representative Lisa Subeck and Andrew Johnson, Vice Chair of the Dodge County Board of Supervisors and past president of the WNA and the WNAF.

"The Wisconsin Civics Games challenge students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and engage deeply with the institutions and issues that shape our democracy," Patton said.

"The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation is proud to congratulate the outstanding students who participated in and won this year's Wisconsin Civics Games," said Beth Bennett, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. "These students have demonstrated an impressive understanding of civics and a deep commitment to the responsibilities of citizenship that sustain democracy."

"When the WNA Foundation launched the Civics Games, our goal was to help young people engage with the principles, institutions, and freedoms that shape public life in Wisconsin and across the nation," Bennett added. "Seeing the level of knowledge and critical thinking on display this year is a reminder that the future of informed civic participation is in good hands. We also extend our appreciation to the educators, families, and community partners who support these students."

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation launched the Civics Games in 2018 to strengthen civics education and engagement in our democracy among high school students in Wisconsin. Beginning in 2027, the Universities of Wisconsin will plan to host the Civics Games on campuses, which will give students a chance to experience a college environment while continuing their civic learning.

Support for the Wisconsin Civics Games is provided by the Universities of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, WisPolitics, Evjue Foundation, Wisconsin Counties Association, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, WisconsinEye, Wisconsin Senate Scholars Program, Multi Media Channels, Carol O'Leary, and Godfrey & Kahn.

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About the Universities of Wisconsin

The Universities of Wisconsin serve more than 164,600 students. Awarding more than 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin's talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin's culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu .