[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6944-S6945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WE THE PEOPLE . . . THE CITIZEN AND THE 
                 CONSTITUTION PARTICIPANTS FROM WYOMING

 Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, on May 4-6, 2002, more than 1,200 
students from across the United States visited Washington, DC, to 
compete in the national finals of the We the People . . . The Citizen 
and the Constitution program, 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 report that the class from Green River High School from 
Green River represented the State of Wyoming in this national event. 
These young scholars 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 fine students from Wyoming who were chosen to participate 
include: Jamie Adams, Ashley Andersen, Melissa Bassett, Kimberly 
Bucheit, Michelle Edwards, Christina Gipson, Aaron Hayes, Daniel 
Johnson, Christopher Legerski, Michael Merkley, Nathaniel Steinhoff, 
Eric Stewart, Julia Stuble, and Katherine Tolliver. I would also like 
to recognize their teacher, Dennis Johnson, who deserves much of the 
credit for their success.

[[Page S6945]]

  The 3-day national competition is modeled after hearings in the 
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 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.
  It is inspiring to see these young people advocate the fundamental 
ideals of principles of our Government in the aftermath of the tragedy 
on September 11. These are ideas 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 which we hold as standards in 
our endeavor to preserve and realize the promise of our constitutional 
democracy.
  I would once again like to congratulate Dennis Johnson and the fine 
students from Green River High School.

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