[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 52 (Tuesday, May 2, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        A TRIBUTE TO STUDENTS FROM McALLEN MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2000

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, on May 6-8, 2000 more than 1200 students 
from across the United States will be in Washington, DC 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 
McAllen Memorial High School from McAllen will represent the state of 
Texas 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 the fundamental 
principles and values of our constitutional democracy.
  The names of the students are: Melinda Acuna, Cassie Baumeister, Paul 
Bongat, Amy Booth, Emily Dyer, Brandon Garcia, Gabriela Gonzalez, Amber 
Hausenfluck, Jason Jarvis, Kyle Jones, Anita Manoharan, Suleima 
Mohamed, Taylor Mohel, George Morgan, Raquel Pacheco, Angela Perez, 
Blythe Selman, Matt Sheinberg, Jane Springmeyer, Veronica Vela, Summer 
West. I would also like to recognize their teacher, LeAnna Morse, whose 
tireless efforts have contributed greatly to the success of the class.
  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 
presentations by high school students before a panel of adult judges. 
The students testify as constitutional experts before a panel of judges 
representing various regions of the country and a variety of 
appropriate professional fields. The students' testimony is followed by 
a period of questioning by the simulated congressional committee. 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 . . 
. program has provided curricular materials at upper elementary, 
middle, and high school levels for more than 26.5 million students 
nationwide. The program provides students with a working knowledge of 
our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the principles of democratic 
government. 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 class from McAllen Memorial High School is currently conducting 
research and preparing for the upcoming national competition in 
Washington, DC. I wish these young ``constitutional experts'' the best 
of luck at the We the People . . . national finals, and my staff and I 
look forward to greeting them when they visit Capitol Hill.

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