[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 9, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF EASTHAMPTON HIGH SCHOOL'S `WE THE PEOPLE' TEAM

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2019

  Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the students and advisors of Easthampton High School's `We 
The People' team for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding 
achievement. These individuals prevailed over a number of highly 
skilled competitors to earn first-place honors in the Massachusetts `We 
The People' academic contest for the second year in a row. They have 
accordingly earned the distinction of representing the Commonwealth in 
the 32nd `We The People' national finals this month in Washington, D.C.
  The annual `We The People' tournament is a wonderful opportunity that 
brings bright young people together to learn about and debate issues of 
great importance in today's world. The students of Easthampton High 
School's team not only displayed exceptional commitment, ability, and 
character in preparing for and winning the statewide competition this 
winter, but they have also worked even harder this spring as they have 
looked forward to competing in the national competition. They have been 
preparing to testify at mock congressional hearings, demonstrate their 
knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, issue statements on a variety of 
topics related to our country's political and historical heritage, and 
field complex questions from a panel of expert judges. There is no 
doubt in my mind that they will find this whole experience uniquely 
valuable for years to come.
  This year's Easthampton High School `We The People' team have been 
led by their teachers Kelley Brown and Taylor Dadmun who have provided 
crucial guidance and instrumental mentorship. The outstanding work 
performed by this group is a testament to the value of quality teachers 
in the Massachusetts public school system. The victorious students are 
Kerissa Bilski, Joseph Brough, Kunden Chumego, Samuel Colenback, 
Benjamin Dameworth, Sophia Fiordalice, Corinne Gawle, Joseph Hwang, 
Madeline Kleeberg, Kassidy Marowitz, Abigail McMahon, Jaquelline Perez, 
Madison Rinker, Madison Rodriguez, Trevor Waldron, Hanna Wauczinski, 
Christopher Williams, and Mohamed Zabir. The team's student coaches 
include Lucas Patton, Vinnie Catalano, and Fernando Tenesaca.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to once again acknowledge Easthampton 
High School's `We The People' academic team for their superb 
achievements. Strong civic education is the foundation of our democracy 
and these inspiring students have exemplified the finest qualities of 
informed citizenship. I am proud of this group, and I wish them all the 
best in their upcoming national competition as well as all their other 
future endeavors.

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