[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF A HIGH ACHIEVING JOHN MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL AMERICAN 
                             HISTORY CLASS

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 1997

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor the high 
intellectual achievement of a John Marshall High School American 
history class. This class of high school juniors and seniors has 
demonstrated a superlative command of the facts and a critical 
understanding of the meaning of American history. They are first among 
their peers, having won that distinction when they took first place in 
the State of Ohio finals of the We the People competition.
  The We the People competition does not involve mere rote learning and 
short answers, but requires detailed research and study on specific 
areas of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Students testify before a 
panel of judges, most of whom are judges and lawyers, as if they were 
testifying at a congressional hearing. The class is divided into six 
groups and each group is required to give a 4 minute prepared answer to 
one of three extremely complex questions. Each group must then answer 
extemporaneously 6 minutes of followup questions posed by the judges. 
Through this trying ordeal, the students must demonstrate their 
understanding and ability to articulate in-depth analysis of complex 
constitutional issues. All students must respond, not just the stars of 
the class.
  The entire class, then, has earned a coveted honor as the State 
representative at the national competition. Under the tutelage of their 
teacher, George Klepacz, the following students are commended by 
Congress for their work and achievement: Brigitte Beale, Alicia Bebee, 
Raenala Brown, David Bucchioni, Tyessa Howard, Kasey King, Deanna Lamb, 
James Lazarus, Kim Noeum, Ryann O'Bryant, Brad Schaefer, Tiwanna Scott, 
Matt Stevens, and Kim Chau Vo.

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