[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 78 (Friday, May 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1021-E1022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CORRY AREA HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL ENGLISH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2007

  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, from April 28-30, 2007, 
more than 1200 students from across the country visited Washington, 
D.C. 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 a class from Corry Area High School 
represented the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at this prestigious 
national event. These outstanding students, through their knowledge of 
the U.S. Constitution, won their statewide competition and

[[Page E1022]]

earned the chance to come to our Nation's capitol and compete at the 
national level.
  While in Washington, the students participated in a three-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 independent studies 
of the We the People program indicate that alumni of this nationally 
acclaimed program 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 
various reports and surveys that reveal the lack of civic knowledge and 
engagement, I am pleased to support such an outstanding program that 
continues to produce an enlightened and responsible citizenry.
  Madam Speaker, the names of these outstanding students from Corry 
Area High School are: Andrew Blair, Kelsie Boyd, Karen Costello, Abe 
Herr, Tom Jaggi, Kaisy Kafferlin, Melissa Kimmy, Maggie Mulligan, 
Mathias Otten, Abby Pelc, Kathryn Robbins, Kim Sperry, Kari Swart, 
Andrea Vandervort, Lindsey White, and Alexis Wojcicehowski.
  I also wish to commend the teacher of the class, Craig Dean, who is 
responsible for preparing these young constitutional experts for the 
national finals. Also worthy of special recognition is Beth Specker, 
the state coordinator, and Marlene Shellito, the district coordinator, 
who are among those responsible for implementing the We the People 
program in my state.
  I congratulate these students on their exceptional achievement at the 
We the People national finals.

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