[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 11988]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING EAST HIGH SCHOOL ON PLACING THIRD AT NATIONAL 
                    COMPETITION ON THE CONSTITUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 2006

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that 
East High School from Denver, CO, placed third in the national finals 
competition of ``We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution.'' 
From April 29 to May 1, 2006, approximately 1,200 students from across 
the country participated in the 19th annual We the People competition--
the most extensive educational program in the country developed 
specifically to educate young people about the U.S. Constitution and 
Bill of Rights. The We the People program is administered by the Center 
for Civic Education and funded by the U.S. Department of Education by 
act of Congress.
  The We the People national finals are a 3-day academic competition 
that simulates a congressional hearing in which the students 
``testify'' before a panel of judges on constitutional topics. Students 
demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional 
principles as they evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant 
historical and contemporary issues.
  In Colorado, I have made a priority of dispatching my staff to serve 
as ``judges'' in competitions at all levels within my district and 
throughout the State. Through them I can attest to the skill, intellect 
and diligence that characterize the East High School team. 
Congratulations to the members of the East High School team: Michelle 
Buchanan, Darien Combs, Lila Creighton, Paula Davis, Joshua Figueroa, 
Sophia Galleher, Rose Green, Jonathon Hammond, Meghan Harrington, 
Kathryn Havranek, Than Hedman, Collin Hornsby, Noah Hubbell, Mackenzie 
Jacobs, Elizabeth Kochevar, Clay Lemar, Zach Levek, Christopher 
Linsmayer, Elise Mann, Gabe Mann, Logan McHenry, Tyler McNamara, Sarah 
McNaughton, Zena Price-Broncucia, Rachel Romer, Claire Sanderson, Cary 
Shapiro, Amy Stanesco, Amy Steinhoff, Alex Stevens, Zachary Susel, 
Elizabeth Trower, and Will VanTreuren. I also wish to commend the 
teacher of the class, Ms. Edna Sutton, who was responsible for 
preparing the class for the national finals competition. Also worthy of 
special recognition are Ms. Jackie Johnson, the State coordinator, and 
Mr. Loyal Darr, the district coordinator, who are among those 
responsible for implementing the We the People program in my district.
  I am an unequivocal supporter of the We the People program. Nothing 
is more important to a healthy democracy than a civicly educated and 
informed citizenry. East High School's team is a shining example of the 
bright future of tomorrow's leaders. Mr. Speaker and my colleagues in 
the House, please join me in congratulating these young constitutional 
experts for their outstanding achievement.

                          ____________________