[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 18, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S5435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CIVIC EDUCATION IN ACTION

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize the 
outstanding efforts of a group of young Idahoans from Madison High 
School in Rexburg, ID. These young men and women came to Washington, 
D.C., to represent my State in the national finals of the ``We the 
People: the Citizen and the Constitution'' program. They represented 
Idaho well and are a tribute to our State's youth.
  The national finals include a mock congressional hearing which gives 
the students the opportunity to translate their specialized learning in 
history, social studies, government and civics into action. As they use 
their newly-gained knowledge of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights 
to examine, counter and defend issues facing America today, they come 
to appreciate the timeless nature of this great document. This 
experience gives students the opportunity to apply civic values to 
real-life challenges and will serve them in whatever they choose to do 
after they graduate from high school.
  Idaho can be proud of the growth of civic virtue in these young 
people. As they look beyond themselves to the realm of the public good, 
Idaho and America will benefit as these individuals develop into 
responsible, intelligent citizens who practice discernment in judgment 
in matters of concern to our State and Nation. In the future, these 
student citizens will be more inclined to exhibit leadership faithful 
to the ideals upon which our country was built and consonant with the 
notions of liberty, freedom, justice and rule of law.

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