[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9069]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO SPARKMAN HIGH SCHOOL'S ``WE THE PEOPLE'' COMPETITION TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2004

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a group of 
young men and women from North Alabama who finished fourth in the 
National ``We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution'' 
Competition.
  These young scholars from Sparkman High School have worked tirelessly 
for this competition and have gained a deep knowledge and understanding 
of the fundamental principles and values of our Constitution. I want to 
congratulate these students on this outstanding achievement.
  The ``We the People'' program, administered by the Center for Civic 
Education, provides students with a working knowledge of the U.S. 
Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the principles of democratic 
government. The 3-day national competition is modeled after hearings in 
the U.S. Congress. The hearings consist of oral presentations by high 
school students before a panel of constitutional scholars. The 
students' testimony is followed by a period of questioning by the 
judges to explore their depth of understanding and ability to apply 
their constitutional knowledge.
  These students have built an excellent academic foundation that will 
enable them to achieve a broader understanding of our nation and our 
system of government. It is inspiring to see these young people 
advocate the fundamental principles of our government and that the next 
generation of leaders believe and understand these principles.
  Mr. Speaker, this group of high school seniors has accomplished more 
and gone farther in this competition than any previous group from the 
State of Alabama. With great pleasure, I rise today to congratulate 
this great achievement.

                          ____________________