[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 21 (Saturday, February 6, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1329-S1330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE STUDENTS OF MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to 
recognize students from Milford High School in Milford, New Hampshire 
for their outstanding performance in the ``We the People * * * The 
Citizen and the Constitution'' program.
  On May 1-3, 1999, more than 1200 students from across the United 
States will be in Washington, D.C., to compete in the national finals 
of the ``We the People * * * The Citizen and the Constitution'' 
program. I am proud to announce that the class from Milford High School 
will represent the state of New Hampshire in this national event. These 
young scholars have worked diligently to reach the national finals and 
through their experience have gained a deep knowledge and understanding 
of

[[Page S1330]]

the fundamental principles and values of our constitutional democracy.
  The ``We the People * * * The Citizen and the Constitution'' program 
is the most extensive educational program in the country developed 
specifically to educate young people about the Constitution and the 
Bill of Rights. The three-day national competition is modeled after 
hearings in the United States Congress. These hearings consist of oral 
presentation by high school students before a panel of adult judges. 
The students testify as constitutional experts before a ``congressional 
committee,'' that is, the panel of judges representing various regions 
of the country and a variety of appropriate professional fields. The 
student testimony is followed by a period of questioning during which 
the judges probe students for their depth of understanding and ability 
to apply their constitutional knowledge.
  Administered by the Center for Civic Education, the ``We the People * 
* * The Citizen and the Constitution'' program has provided curricular 
materials at upper elementary, middle, and high school levels for more 
than 26.5 million students nationwide. Members of Congress and their 
staff enhance the program by discussing current constitutional issues 
with students and teachers and by participating in other educational 
activities.
  The student team from Milford High School is currently conducting 
research and preparing for the upcoming national competition in 
Washington, D.C. As a former history teacher, I recognize the 
importance and value of this unique educational experience. I wish the 
students and their teacher, Mr. David Alcox, the best of luck at the 
``We the People * * * The Citizen and the Constitution'' national 
finals. I look forward to greeting them when they visit Capitol Hill, 
and I am honored to represent them in the United States Senate.

                          ____________________