[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 75 (Tuesday, April 21, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





               TAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL STATE CIVICS CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KIM SCHRIER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2020

  Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, congratulations to the hardworking 
students of Tahoma High School from Maple Valley, Washington, for being 
selected for the 11th consecutive time to represent Washington state in 
the annual ``We the People: The Citizens and the Constitution'' 
competition organized by the Center for Civic Education.
  These dedicated students have spent the past year studying the 
history and principles of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They 
have gained a better understanding of our nation's founding values, 
representative democracy, and how the lawmaking process functions.
  The annual in-person ``We the People'' final competition typically 
takes place in Washington, D.C., in late April. Understandably, due to 
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event was cancelled this year. 
Regardless, I am tremendously proud of these students' diligent work 
over the past year. Civic education is vital to a well-rounded high 
school education. In this time of crisis, it is more important than 
ever that young people are well-informed so they can engage 
constructively with public policy. I hope that these talented students 
feel empowered to vote, participate in politics, and be leading voices 
for positive change in our state and country. I am excited to hear 
about how they carry the principles and values of civic education into 
their future endeavors and become the next generation of leaders.
  I am especially grateful to Gretchen Wulfing for her dedication to 
civic education. In addition to teaching government at Tahoma High 
School, Gretchen has coached Civic Education for 12 years. Most 
recently, in 2016, she was honored as one of Washington's distinguished 
Civic Educators.
  Teachers like Gretchen are especially vital in this uncertain time, 
and the 8th District is extremely appreciative for her dedication to 
educating students in Maple Valley.
  Finally, I would like to individually recognize each student, whose 
tremendous commitment and enthusiasm to learning our Constitution, I 
deeply admire. Congratulations to: Riley Barlett, Dane Bowman-Weston, 
Katerina Bruhl, Matthew Bruneel, Neena Chana, Claire Cunningham, Grace 
Denison, Shelby Ellis, Djanaya Esiong, Issabella Huser.
  Sarah Kropelnicki, Preston Lievano, Jaden Mason, Aidan Mercado, Emma 
Nickel, Gage Nickel, Calvin O'Connell, Luke Oriolt, Daniela Perezchica-
Trancoso, Claire Riordan, Elizabeth St. John, Jasmine Tran, Janey Yee.
  Congratulations again to Gretchen and these bright students from 
Tahoma High School for their dedication to civic education. We in 
Washington's 8th District couldn't be more proud of them, and we wish 
them the best of luck.

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