[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 76 (Thursday, May 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO PARTICIPANTS IN 2008 WE THE PEOPLE NATIONAL FINALS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2008

  Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam Speaker, from May 3-5, 2008, more than 
1,200 students from across the country visited 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 a group of outstanding students from St. 
Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, Kansas, through their 
knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, won the statewide competition, 
earning the chance to come to our Nation's capital 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 enlightened and responsible citizens.
  Madam Speaker, the names of these outstanding students from St. 
Thomas Aquinas High School are:
  Hillary Bourquin, Rosemarie Boyles, Annie Clark, Michelle Coombs, 
Alexander Davidson, Blair Donahue, Maria Dudley, Jillian Falbre, Lauren 
Hannifan, Lisa Hartung, Sarah Hermes, Veronica Holton, Erin Jolley, 
Emily Majerie, Arica Maurer, Kirsten Milliard, Theresa Nelson, Angela 
Nigro, Daniel Obermeier, Courtney Pigott, Rose Reynolds, Amanda 
Schnieders, Jonathan Shoulta, Emily Stone, David Sullivan, Bryan 
Thelen, Brittany Wilderson, and Jerry Wohletz.
  I also wish to commend the teachers of the class, Tim Lillis and Amy 
Person, who are responsible for preparing these young constitutional 
experts for the statewide competition and national finals. Also worthy 
of special recognition is Lynn Stanley, the State coordinator, and Ken 
Thomas, 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 achievements at 
the We the People national finals.

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