[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 76 (Thursday, May 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING DULUTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE 2008 WE 
                       THE PEOPLE NATIONAL FINALS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2008

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, from May 3-5, 2008, 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, one of the most extensive educational programs 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. It is important to note that results of independent 
studies of this nationally acclaimed program have shown that We the 
People students have gained a greater political tolerance and attained 
an excellent understanding of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. With 
many reports and surveys indicating the lack of civic knowledge and 
civic participation, I am pleased to support such a superb program that 
is producing an enlightened and engaged citizenry.
  I am proud to announce that the state of Minnesota was represented by 
a class from Duluth Central 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. The 
names of these outstanding students from Duluth Central High School 
are: Leanna Albertson, Sharlene Balik, Krista Benko, Gregory Bongey, 
John Brakke, Whitney Buck, Jessica Churchill, Kylie Dalager, Alissa 
EIke, Chad Erlemeier, Zack Filipovich, Jordan Foschi, Nicholas 
Foucault, Robert Gitar, Daniel Gunderson, Matthew Harold, Elizabeth 
Hauschildt, Garth Heikkinen, Amy Hietala, Grace Larsen, Joseph Makynen, 
Marina McCuskey, Jason Michalicek, Hannah Olson, Liza Pierre, Jessica 
Primozich, Molly Prudden, Matthew Roberts, Eric Stokes, and Joseph Von 
Rueden.
  While in Washington, the students participated in a three-day 
academic competition that simulates a congressional hearing in which 
they ``testified'' before a panel of judges. Students demonstrated 
their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles as they 
evaluated, took, and defended positions on relevant historical and 
contemporary issues.
  I also wish to commend the teacher of the class, Ethan Fisher, who 
was responsible for preparing these young constitutional experts for 
the National Finals. Also worthy of special recognition is Jennifer 
Bloom, the state coordinator, who is responsible for implementing the 
We the People program in the great state of Minnesota.
  I applaud the exceptional achievements of these students.

                          ____________________