[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9435]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO VESTAVIA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I would like to make some remarks 
today about Alabama's State champion and national finalist in the ``We 
the People'' competition. Vestavia Hills High School placed fourth in 
the national We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution national 
finals, held in Washington, DC. This impressive competition, headed by 
the Center for Civic Education, engaged young people in the fundamental 
ideals and values of American constitutional government.
  Members of this remarkable team from Vestavia Hills included Diana 
Chen, Colleen Cusick, William Desmond, Felipe Goncalves, Lauren 
Hammonds, Pei-Ann Lin, Tyler Martin, Robert Nuttall, Shannon O'Sheal, 
Thomas Oliver, Sean Sapp, Curry Stevenson, Andrew Swindle, Wesley 
Vaughn, Jay Watson, Ylia Wilson, Shin Xu, and Zaka Yazdi.
  I would like to congratulate Amy Maddox, the teacher who led this 
fine team. Teachers shape the future, and I appreciate Ms. Maddox's 
investment in these students. As a former educator and the father of 
three children, I have a great admiration for educators, and I am 
grateful that educators like Ms. Maddox are making a difference.
  I would also like to thank Janice Cowin, the executive director of 
the Alabama Center for Law and Civic Education.
  I applaud the efforts of students, teachers, and community leaders 
who made this accomplishment possible. Vestavia Hills High School is an 
exceptional school and has represented Alabama well. I encourage these 
students to continue pursuing a deep understanding of the Constitution 
and our Government. It is important that we raise up quality leaders 
that will serve our country in years to come.

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