Two Oregon high schools demonstrated exceptional civic education and constitutional understanding by winning the Center for Civic Education's National Finals of 'We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution' competition. The event, held in Washington, D.C. in April, challenges high school students to explore constitutional principles and their relevance to historical and contemporary issues.
The competition format requires students to participate in simulated congressional hearings, where they are evaluated on their knowledge of the Constitution. Divided into six groups corresponding to sections of the program's textbook, teams present four-minute opening statements followed by eight minutes of rigorous questioning from a panel of judges representing various congressional committees.
This year's competition involved 72 judges, including Attorney Israel Piedra from Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C., who brought a unique perspective as a former 'We the People' national competition participant. Piedra emphasized the impressive preparation and insight demonstrated by the competing teams.
The national competition represents a critical platform for developing engaged and informed citizens. By challenging students to deeply understand constitutional principles, the program aims to cultivate future leaders who comprehend the intricate workings of American democracy.
The Center for Civic Education, which has grown significantly over the past six decades, now reaches more than 45 million students and 440,000 educators nationwide. Dr. Donna Phillips, the organization's President and CEO, highlighted the competition's role in preserving democratic principles and nurturing future leadership.
Teams qualify for the national event by winning state competitions or through special 'wild card' selections, with one team traditionally chosen in honor of civil rights icon John Lewis. This competitive process ensures that the most knowledgeable and passionate students from across the country have an opportunity to showcase their civic understanding.
The competition's significance extends beyond academic achievement. By encouraging students to critically analyze constitutional principles and their application to contemporary issues, the program helps develop critical thinking skills essential for active citizenship and democratic participation.
