[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 54 (Thursday, May 4, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 2000 NATIONAL FINALS FOR THE WE THE PEOPLE . . .  THE CITIZEN AND THE 
                          CONSTITUTION PROGRAM

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                         HON. MICHAEL G. OXLEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2000

  Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the outstanding 
achievements of a group of student scholars from my hometown high 
school in Findlay, Ohio.
  On May 6-8, 2000 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 Findlay High School will 
represent the state of Ohio 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 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. Columnist David Broder described 
the national final as ``the place to have your faith in the younger 
generation restored.''
  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.
  Findlay High is currently researching and preparing for the upcoming 
national competition in Washington, D.C. I wish these young 
``constitutional experts'' the best of luck at the We the People . . .  
national finals. It is always my pleasure meeting with these students 
and their instructors. Their quest for knowledge coupled with their 
interest in our government is to be applauded.

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