[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 62 (Thursday, May 6, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




2004 WINNERS OF THE ``WE THE PEOPLE: THE CITIZEN AND THE CONSTITUTION'' 
                          NATIONAL COMPETITION

 Mr. CORZINE. Mr. President, on May 1-3, 2004, over 1,200 
students from across the United States visited our Nation's Capital to 
take part in the national finals of We the People: The Citizen and the 
Constitution. This program, administered by the Center for Civic 
Education and funded by the Department of Education, was developed 
specifically to educate young people about our great Constitution and 
Bill of Rights.
  I am proud to announce that students from East Brunswick High School 
in East Brunswick, NJ, won first place in this prestigious academic 
event. After winning the statewide competition, these outstanding 
students demonstrated superior knowledge of the U.S. Constitution 
during the national competition.
  The 3-day We the People competition is modeled after Congressional 
hearings. First, the students are given an opportunity to exhibit their 
knowlege 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.
  This innovative program continues to be one of the best antidotes to 
apathy and cynicism in our Nation. Numerous evaluations and independent 
studies have validated the effectiveness of the We the People program 
on students' civic knowledge and attitudes. The program helps students 
to develop an increased understanding of the institutions of 
constitutional democracy and the fundamental principals and values upon 
which they are founded. It also teaches students the skills necessary 
to participate as effective and responsible citizens.
  I commend the students from East Brunswick High School on their 
exceptional achievement--their accomplishment is truly inspiring. I 
wish them the best of luck in learning and advocating the fundamental 
ideals that identify us as a people and bind us together as a 
Nation.

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