[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 28, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S2352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    WE THE PEOPLE NATIONAL FINALISTS

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, from April 28 to 30, 2007, more 
than 1,200 students from across the country 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 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 act of 
Congress.
  I am proud to announce that the State of Arkansas will be represented 
by a class from Pottsville High School at 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 Capital and compete at the national level.
  While in Washington, the students will participate in a 3-day 
academic competition that simulates a congressional hearing in which 
they ``testify'' before a panel of judges. Students demonstrate their 
knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles as they 
evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant historical and 
contemporary issues. It is important to note that results of 
independent studies of this nationally acclaimed program reveal that We 
the People students have knowledge gains that are superior to students 
who have not participated in the program. Students also display a 
greater political tolerance and commitment to the principles and values 
of the Constitution and Bill of Rights than do students using 
traditional textbooks and approaches. With many reports and surveys 
indicating a lack of civic knowledge and civic participation, I am 
pleased to support such a superb program that is producing an 
enlightened and engaged citizenry.
  The names of these outstanding students from Pottsville High School 
are Jimmy Freeman, Amber Fuentes, Dustin Harrell, Zach Murdoch, Brent 
Pless, James Schell, Hannah Walker, Hannah Williamson, and Tyler 
Winchell.
  I also wish to commend the teacher of the class, James Wagner, who is 
responsible for preparing these young constitutional experts for the 
national finals. Also worthy of special recognition is Jeff Wittingham, 
the State coordinator, and Marilyn Friga, the district coordinator, who 
are among those responsible for implementing the We the People Program 
in my State.
  I wish these students much success as they prepare to compete at the 
We the People national finals and applaud their exceptional 
achievement.

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