[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 98 (Friday, June 28, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7324-S7325]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE ST. DOMINIC REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise to recognize and congratulate 
13 very special students from St. Dominic Regional High School in 
Lewiston, ME, whose team won honorable mention as a top-10 finalist in 
the ``We the People * * * the Citizen and the Constitution'' 
competition. Adam Feldman, Jay Fournier, Catherine Fredricks-Rehagen, 
Monique Gagnon, Nathan Hall, Rachel Lawrence, Carrie Luke, Jessica 
Morin, Peter Murray, Kathryn Piela, Paul Sheridan, Anne Theriault, and 
Jason Theriault have demonstrated exemplary understanding of the 
fundamental ideals incorporated in our Nation's most precious 
documents, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of

[[Page S7325]]

 Rights. They, along with their teacher Rosanne Ducey, can be very 
proud of their accomplishment.
  The ``We the People * * * the Citizen and the Constitution'' 
challenge was established by the Center for Civic Education, which was 
founded in 1987, under the auspices of the Commission of the 
Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. The Center for Civic Education 
aims to improve civic education in elementary and secondary schools by 
increasing both students' and teachers' understanding of our 
constitutional democracy, and has served over 20 million American 
students during its 8-year existence.
  The ``We the People * * * The Citizen and the Constitution'' 
challenge held its national finals on April 27-29, where the St. 
Dominic class finished with honorable mention. This is a remarkable 
accomplishment, considering that high schools from throughout America 
are competing in this program. An incredible amount of preparation and 
commitment goes with competing in this challenge, and the success of 
these 13 students from St. Dominic Regional High School is a direct 
reflection on their dedication and hard work, as well as that of their 
instructor.
  It is so important that our young men and women have a firm 
understanding about the documents upon which our Nation was founded, 
and how those documents are as relevant to our lives today as they were 
when they were written. Indeed, through this challenge, students do so 
much more than simply learn the content of our Constitution and Bill of 
Rights. They come to think about the meaning of these documents, how 
they have been interpreted over the years, and the ways in which they 
are very much living documents which continue to evolve even today. As 
these young people grow into adulthood, and the responsibilities that 
come with being citizens of this great country, they will be able to 
analyze and approach issues of the day with a firm understanding of the 
underpinnings of our democracy.
  I am pleased and proud to know that these outstanding students from 
Maine will be well prepared for their further education, and to be full 
participants in and contributors to their country. Again, I 
congratulate these young Mainers and wish them all the best for what 
will certainly be a bright and successful future.

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