Three students from Fishers High School are earning national attention for their performance in one of the country’s top civics competitions, with one now advancing to the national finals at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

FHS sophomore Caden Rose has been named one of just 20 national finalists in the Presidential 1776 Civics Contest, a nationwide competition focused on civic knowledge, constitutional principles and American government.

The national finals are scheduled for June 9 in Washington, D.C., where the top finisher will receive a $150,000 scholarship.

The competition, organized through the Presidential 1776 Award Program, is designed to encourage excellence in civics education and promote deeper understanding of the nation’s founding principles.

What makes the accomplishment especially notable is the dominance shown by Fishers High students during the regional stage of the competition.

Only four students from Indiana advanced to the Regional Semifinals held May 1 in Michigan. According to information provided by Fishers High School teacher Liz Paternoster, three of those four Indiana semifinalists came from Fishers High School — Caden Rose, Rahil Shah and David Snyder.

Competition organizers reportedly described that level of representation from one school as extraordinary and uncommon nationally.

At a time when civic engagement and civic literacy among young Americans has become a growing topic of national discussion, the strong showing by the Fishers students highlights what educators say is a commitment to civic education and academic excellence within the school.

Rose now advances to the national championship event, where finalists from across the country will compete at the Kennedy Center.