[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E128-E129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE STUDENTS OF THE GRANT HIGH SCHOOL WE THE PEOPLE CLASS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2002

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, On May 4-6, 2002, more than 1,200 
students from across the United States will visit Washington,

[[Page E129]]

D.C. to compete in the national finals of the We the People . . . The 
Citizen and the Constitution program. This is the most extensive 
educational program in the country developed specifically to educate 
young people about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
  I am proud to announce that a class from Grant High School in my 
congressional district will represent the state of Oregon 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 three-day national competition is modeled after hearings in the 
United States Congress. The hearings consist of oral presentations by 
high school students before a panel of adult judges on constitutional 
topics. The students testimony is followed by a period of questioning 
by the judges who probe the depth of their understanding and ability to 
apply their constitutional knowledge.
  Administered by the Center for Civic Education, the We the People . . 
. program provides students with a working knowledge of our 
Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the principles of democratic 
government. It is inspiring to see these young people advocate the 
fundamental ideals and principles of our government in the aftermath of 
the tragedy on September 11. There are the ideals that identify us as a 
people and bind us together as a nation. It is important for our next 
generation to understand these values and principles that we hold as 
standards in our endeavor to preserve and realize the promise of our 
constitutional democracy.
  The class from Grant High School is currently preparing for their 
upcoming participation in the national competition in Washington, D.C. 
I wish these young ``constitutional experts'' the best of luck at the 
We the People . . . national finals. They represent the future leaders 
of our nation.

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