[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 36 (Thursday, March 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO SPARKMAN HIGH SCHOOL OF HARVEST, ALABAMA

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                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2003

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sparkman High School 
from Harvest, Alabama for winning the statewide ``We the People: The 
Citizen and the Constitution'' competition. I am proud to announce that 
this group of bright students from my Congressional district will 
represent the state of Alabama in the national competition event that 
will be held on April 26, 2003. The Sparkman class will join more than 
1,200 students from across the United States in Washington, D.C. to 
compete in the national finals.
  The ``We the People . . .'' program is the most extensive educational 
program in the country developed specifically to educate young people 
about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These young scholars 
from Sparkman High School. have worked diligently to reach the national 
finals by participating in local and statewide competitions. Through 
their experience, they have gained a deep knowledge and understanding 
of the fundamental principles and values of our constitution. I want to 
congratulate these students on this outstanding achievement.
  The ``We the People'' program, administered by the Center for Civic 
Education, provides students with a working knowledge of our 
Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the principles of democratic 
government. The national competition is modeled after hearings in the 
United States Congress, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate 
their knowledge while they evaluate different positions on relevant 
historical and contemporary issues. Students will give testimonies 
followed by a period of questioning by the judges to explore their 
depth of understanding and ability to apply their constitutional 
knowledge.
  It is inspiring to see these young people advocate the fundamental 
ideals and principles of our government. 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 that we 
hold as standards in our endeavor to preserve and realize the promise 
of our constitutional democracy.
  The class from Sparkman High School is currently conducting research 
and preparing for their upcoming participation in the national 
competition in Washington, D.C. I commend their teacher, State 
Representative Sue Schmitz, for teaching these young ``constitutional 
experts,'' and I wish the class the best of luck at the ``We the 
People'' national finals. They represent the future leaders of our 
nation.

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