[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 69 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E916-E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING THE WE THE PEOPLE . . . THE CITIZEN AND THE CONSTITUTION 
                    PROGRAM AND INCLINE HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GIBBONS

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 9, 2003

  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, On April 26-28, 2003 more than 1200 
students from across the United States visited 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.
  I am proud to announce that for the second year in a row the class 
from Incline High School from Incline Village represented the State of 
Nevada in this national event. These young scholars worked diligently 
to reach the national finals for the second straight year and through 
their experience gained a deep knowledge and understanding of the 
fundamental principles and values of our constitutional democracy.
  The 3-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 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.

[[Page E917]]

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 our government. 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.
  In addition, I would like to recognize the commitment and support 
received from all of Incline Village, community organizations and 
parents. Individually, Bob Heilig, a community volunteer, has helped 
out a great deal with the students in the program. Judy Simpson, the 
State Coordinator of the program, and Daniel Wong, the district 
Coordinator of the Program have also contributed countless hours into 
making these students better citizens.
  It is also important that we recognize the participants of this 
program individually. I would like to commend David Allison, Rochelle 
Comeaux, Ashley Hanna, Kristi Cole, David Gregory, Jonathan Shoop, 
Meghan Flanders, Daniel Herr, Danny St. John, Betsy McCann, Lee Rogers, 
Britt Van Hees, Elliot Becker, Ali Deroche, Jamie Ellsworth, Brooke 
Downey, Erin Myrmel, and Meredith Tiras for their hard work and 
tireless dedication.
  The class from Incline High School diligently conducted research and 
prepared for their participation in the national competition. I again 
commend these young ``constitutional experts'' on their work for and 
commitment to the We the People . . . national finals. They represent 
the future leaders of our Nation.

                          ____________________