[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S4480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   2008 WE THE PEOPLE NATIONAL FINALS

 Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, from May 3-5, 2008, more than 1,200 
students from across the country visited Washington, DC to take part in 
the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals. We 
the People is 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.
  While in Washington, the students took part in a 3-day academic 
competition that simulates a congressional hearing in which they 
``testify'' before a panel of judges. Students demonstrated their 
knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles as they 
evaluated, assumed, and defended 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 
comparison students. 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 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 a class from Elkins High School in 
Missouri City, represented the State of Texas 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.
  Mr. President, the names of these outstanding students from Elkins 
High School are: Krystal Castillo, Andrea Cavazos, Deborah Choate, 
Andrew Cockroft, Lucretia Eiler, Jimmy Guerrero, Josh Hanks, Lara 
Hogue, Nick Johnson, Tiffany Kell, Curtis Kelso, D.J. Kinneman, Matt 
MacKo, Colton Mendez, Jonny Murthy, Olusola Oyewuwo, Tej Pandya, Bryan 
Philpott, Justina Rodriguez, Deepa Sabu, Nick Shipman, Piarose 
Siaotong, Ivette Soto, Achal Upadhyaya, Courtney Wiliams, Angela Wu, 
and Arif Yusuf.
  I also wish to commend the teacher of the class, Marilyn Ellington, 
who is responsible for preparing these young constitutional experts for 
the National Finals. Also worthy of special recognition is Jan Miller, 
the State coordinator who is responsible for implementing the We the 
People program in my State.
  I congratulate these students on their exceptional success at the We 
the People national finals.

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