[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 59 (Tuesday, April 24, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  25TH ANNIVERSARY OF WE THE PEOPLE: THE CITIZEN AND THE CONSTITUTION

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                  HON. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN

                    of the northern mariana islands

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2012

  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, this year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary 
of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. Since We the People 
began in 1987, more than thirty million high school students and ninety 
thousand teachers have participated in this valuable program that 
promotes a deeper understanding of the constitutional principles that 
shape and guide our nation, and instills a sense of civic 
responsibility in young people.
  We the People is an instructional program that enhances students' 
understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy. 
Through the program, students discover the relevance of the 
Constitution and Bill of Rights in present day terms. The We the People 
program is directed by the Center for Civic Education and funded by 
Congress through the Education for Democracy Act. This is a program 
Congress should continue to support.
  Teams qualify for the National Finals by prevailing in their regional 
or state competitions. The national competition is held through a 
series of simulated congressional hearings, during which students 
testify as constitutional experts before panels of judges acting as 
congressional committees. The program enjoys the active participation 
of members of Congress, as well as support from educational, 
professional, business, and community organizations across the nation.
  This year, more than fourteen hundred students from every part of our 
country will take part in the National Finals here in Washington. The 
competition will test students' knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and 
the Bill of Rights, showcasing their intelligence, determination, and 
teamwork.
  I want to recognize the 24 exceptionally talented and hard working 
students from Saipan Southern High School in the Northern Mariana 
Islands, who return to the Finals as repeat regional champions. They 
have spent many long hours studying and preparing for the competition. 
Working together and striving for excellence are defining traits of 
this team. I congratulate them and their teachers and coaches, and wish 
them all success in this year's We the People competition.
  Let me acknowledge each student by name: Ms. Maria Louise Babriela 
Atrero; 1Mr. Rufino Aquino, Jr.; Ms. Angelica Awa-Ao; Ms. Akioni Nadine 
Babauta; Ms. Chelsea Marie Bartolo; Ms. Vanessa Rome Bartolo; Ms. 
Yunika Mae Biado; Ms. Rachel Nadine Borja; Mr. Don Marshall Davis 
Cabrera; Ms. Yoon Jae Chung; Ms. Teri-Sue Corpuz; Mr. Derick Dela Cruz; 
Ms. Jinky Marie Kintaro; Ms. Ji Won Lee; Ms. Allysha Hillary Lloren; 
Mr. Edward John Manibusan; Ms. Momoko Belle Nishikido; Mr. David Kido 
Paek; Ms. Rina Park; Mr. Seong Jin Park; Ms. Christine Maebelle Roque; 
Ms. Christina Marie Sablan; Mr. Mike Aries Vargas; Mr. Keisuke Yoshida.
  I would also like to acknowledge the remarkable work and guidance by 
the team's coordinator Mr. Andrew Golden, coaches Justice John A. 
Manglona, Deanna Manibusan Manglona, and Charlotte Sanders, student 
coach Carmen Borja, and Public School System representative Stephen 
Smith.

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