[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            WE THE PEOPLE . . . THE CITIZEN AND CONSTITUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2006

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, the future of this country is rooted in 
not just respect for, but understanding the U.S. Constitution. This 
past weekend more than 1,200 students from across the United States 
will visit Washington, DC to compete in the national finals of the ``We 
the People . . . The Citizen and the Constitution'' competition. This 
outstanding program is the most extensive educational program in the 
country developed specifically to educate young people about the 
Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
  I am proud to announce that 36 students from Grant High School in my 
congressional district represented the State of Oregon in this national 
event. These young scholars have worked diligently to reach the 
national finals and, through their experience, have gained a deep 
knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and values of 
our constitutional democracy. My neighborhood school has won the State 
Championship four times in the last six years. Last year they placed 
second in the nation.
  The three-day national competition is modeled after hearings in the 
United States Congress. The hearings consist of oral presentations by 
high school students before a panel of adult judges on constitutional 
topics. The students' testimony is followed by a period of questioning 
by the judges who probe the depth of their understanding and ability to 
apply their constitutional knowledge.
  Congratulations to Luis Alvarez, Austin Arias, Amelia Bell, Sukey 
Bernard, Thomas Brant, Becca Carlson, Max Chester, David Cooper, Hopi 
Costello, Hallie Craddock, Emma Dobbins, Yata Doe, Thomas Dudrey, Theo 
Erde-Wollheim, Arjav Ezekiel, Elena Fairley, Lauren Faulkner, Hannah 
Fisher, Laule'a Gorden-Kuehn, Ethan Gross, Phylicia Haggerty, Jennifer 
Hatton, Thomas Johnson, Austin Knutson, Joe Piucci, Jesse Poquette, 
Evan Pulvers, Max Schober, Lydia Sheehey, Emily Short, Kyle Sias, Katie 
Singleton, Natalie Stoll, David Streckert, Laura Yount, Ben Zarov and 
teacher Matt Campeau on placing number four in the country. They 
represent the future leaders of our nation and Oregon is proud of them.

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