[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING STUDENTS FROM NASHVILLE'S HILLSBORO HIGH SCHOOL ON THEIR 
   ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE NATIONAL ``WE THE PEOPLE'' CIVICS COMPETITION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM COOPER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2004

  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an 
extraordinary group of students from Hillsboro High School in 
Nashville, Tennessee, who are this year's State winners of the Nation's 
largest annual competition in civics education: We the People: The 
Citizen and the Constitution. I am proud of these outstanding students 
for having earned a chance to represent our fine State and to compete 
in the national finals here in Washington.
  These students should be honored not only for their achievements in 
this prestigious competition but for their interest in politics, 
government and current events. As citizens of this great Nation, we are 
all duty-bound to exercise the rights and obligations of citizenship. 
Recent times, however, have seen a steep decline in voter turnout and 
increased cynicism about the political process. I am refreshed by the 
energy and enthusiasm of these students and am impressed by their 
commitment to the democratic ideals of our Nation. These students will 
no doubt serve as role models for their generation.
  I am also proud to support the annual We the People competition, 
which is the most extensive educational program in the country 
developed specifically to educate young people about the U.S. 
Constitution and Bill of Rights. This program is administered by the 
Center for Civic Education and funded by the U.S. Department of 
Education. Since its creation, We the People has won widespread 
recognition for its effective and innovative programs to encourage 
civic participation in our younger generation. I am confident that 
Congress will maintain its support of this fine program and ensure its 
continued success.
  On behalf of the people of the Fifth Congressional District of 
Tennessee, I extend my heartiest congratulations to the following 
Hillsboro High School students: Emily Bacon, Susan Bursch, Molly 
Caldwell, Juliane Codd, Maeve Cornell-Taylor, Jonathan Cox, Emelyn 
Davies, Alice Floyd, Maisha Grigsby, Claire Hipkens, Anna Holt, Hal 
Nichols, Caitlin Pinhey, Kaitlin Reinhardt, Andrew Schneider, Lauren 
Smyth, Michael Terrell, Lee Tice and David Winjun. I also commend the 
leadership of their teacher, Ms. Catherine Bradshaw.
  I applaud the tremendous achievement of these students and wish them 
well.

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