[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 25 (Tuesday, March 2, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S1998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE JOHN EHRET HIGH SCHOOL

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, from May 1-3, 2004 more than 
1,200 students from across the United States will visit Washington, 
D.C. to take part in the national finals of We the People: The Citizen 
and the Constitution, the most extensive educational program in the 
country developed specifically to educate young people about the U.S. 
Constitution and 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 the class from John Ehret High School 
from Marrero will represent the State of Louisiana in this prestigious 
national event. These outstanding students, through their knowledge of 
the U.S. Constitution, won their statewide competition and earned the 
chance to come to our Nation's Capital and compete at the national 
level.
  The 3-day We the People National Finals Competition is modeled after 
hearings in the U.S. Congress. The students are given an opportunity to 
demonstrate their knowledge before a panel of adult judges while they 
evaluate and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary 
issues. Their testimony is followed by questions designed to probe the 
students' depth of understanding and ability to apply their 
constitutional knowledge. Columnist David Broder once described this 
annual competition as ``the place to come to have your faith in the 
younger generation restored.''
  Most recently, the We the People program was highlighted at two 
national conferences held in 2003: the White House Forum on American 
History, Civics, and Service, and the first annual Congressional 
Conference on Civic Education. Evaluations and independent studies have 
validated the effectiveness of the We the People program on students' 
civic knowledge and attitudes. This innovative civic education program 
continues to be one of the best antidotes to apathy and cynicism in our 
Nation.
  I wish these students the best of luck at the We the People national 
finals and applaud their achievement. We should all be proud that they 
are learning and advocating the fundamental ideals that identify us as 
a people and bind us together as a Nation.

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