[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 055 (Monday, April 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   WE THE PEOPLE NATIONAL COMPETITION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARBARA CUBIN

                               of wyoming

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2003

  Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, on April 26, 2003, more than 1,200 students 
from across the United States will visit Washington, D.C. 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. Administered by the Center for 
Civic Education, the We the People program is funded by the U.S. 
Department of Education by act of Congress.
  I am proud to announce that Green River High School will represent 
the State of Wyoming in this national event. These young scholars have 
worked conscientiously to reach the national finals by participating at 
local and statewide competitions. As a result of their experience they 
have gained a deep knowledge and understanding of the fundamental 
principles and values of our constitutional democracy.
  The three-day We the People national competition is modeled after 
Congressional hearings, consisting of oral presentations by high school 
students before a panel of adult judges on constitutional topics. The 
students are given an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge while 
they evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant historical and 
contemporary issues. Their testimony is followed by a period of 
questioning by the judges who probe the students' depth of 
understanding and ability to apply their constitutional knowledge.
  The We the People program provides curricular materials at upper 
elementary, middle, and high school levels. The curriculum not only 
enhances students' understanding of the institutions of American 
constitutional democracy, but also helps them identify the contemporary 
relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Critical thinking 
exercises, problem-solving activities, and cooperative learning 
techniques help the students to become active, responsible citizens.
  The Green River High School class is currently preparing for their 
participation in the national competition in Washington, D.C. These 
young people inspire me as they advocate fundamental ideals that bind 
us together as a nation. They are setting a positive example for their 
peers as well as future generations. I am very proud of these students, 
and wish them the best of luck at the We the People national finals.

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