[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 7838] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]WE THE PEOPLE . . . THE CITIZEN AND CONSTITUTION ______ HON. EARL BLUMENAUER of oregon in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 9, 2006 Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, the future of this country is rooted in not just respect for, but understanding the U.S. Constitution. This past weekend more than 1,200 students from across the United States will visit Washington, DC to compete in the national finals of the ``We the People . . . The Citizen and the Constitution'' competition. This outstanding program is the most extensive educational program in the country developed specifically to educate young people about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I am proud to announce that 36 students from Grant High School in my congressional district represented the State of Oregon in this national event. These young scholars have worked diligently to reach the national finals and, through their experience, have gained a deep knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and values of our constitutional democracy. My neighborhood school has won the State Championship four times in the last six years. Last year they placed second in the nation. The three-day national competition is modeled after hearings in the United States Congress. The hearings consist of oral presentations by high school students before a panel of adult judges on constitutional topics. The students' testimony is followed by a period of questioning by the judges who probe the depth of their understanding and ability to apply their constitutional knowledge. Congratulations to Luis Alvarez, Austin Arias, Amelia Bell, Sukey Bernard, Thomas Brant, Becca Carlson, Max Chester, David Cooper, Hopi Costello, Hallie Craddock, Emma Dobbins, Yata Doe, Thomas Dudrey, Theo Erde-Wollheim, Arjav Ezekiel, Elena Fairley, Lauren Faulkner, Hannah Fisher, Laule'a Gorden-Kuehn, Ethan Gross, Phylicia Haggerty, Jennifer Hatton, Thomas Johnson, Austin Knutson, Joe Piucci, Jesse Poquette, Evan Pulvers, Max Schober, Lydia Sheehey, Emily Short, Kyle Sias, Katie Singleton, Natalie Stoll, David Streckert, Laura Yount, Ben Zarov and teacher Matt Campeau on placing number four in the country. They represent the future leaders of our nation and Oregon is proud of them. ____________________