[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E692]
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

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2004

  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, from May 1 to 3, 2004 more than 1,200 
students from across the United States will visit Washington, DC 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 Congress.
  I am proud to announce that the class from Incline High School in 
Incline Village will represent the State of Nevada 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 capitol 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, take, 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.
  In addition, I would like to recognize the commitment and support 
received from all of Incline Village, community organizations and 
parents. Individually, coach Robert Heilig, peer tutors Ashley Hanna, 
Daniel St. John, and Jonathan B. Shoops, and teacher Milton Hyams have 
dedicated their time to work 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.
  I would also like to recognize the participants of this program 
individually: Bradley Charles Allured, Jason Daniel Beavers, Nicholas 
J. Bohn, Jessica L. Corpuel, Joseph Driver, Alexander T. Heilig, 
McKenna Louise Hollingsworth, Joshua Michael Hub, Ansley Karen 
Kendziorski, Elisabeth Komito, Ashley Christine Nikke, Laura Rochelle 
Pillsbury, Robert William Rappaport, Catherine Lauren Serrano, Tira 
Wickland, and Beate Marie Wolter. These students should be commended 
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.
  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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