Two Oregon high schools achieved top honors in the Center for Civic Education's National Finals of 'We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution' competition, highlighting the importance of civic education for developing future engaged citizens.
Teams from Lincoln and Sprague High Schools competed in a rigorous national event where students participated in simulated congressional hearings. Divided into six groups based on the competition's textbook, students delivered four-minute opening statements followed by eight minutes of intense questioning from a panel of 72 judges.
The competition evaluates students' comprehensive understanding of constitutional principles, testing their knowledge of historical context and contemporary constitutional issues. By participating, students gain insights into democratic processes and develop critical thinking skills about governance and civic participation.
This annual event, which has reached over 45 million students and 440,000 educators in its 60-year history, serves as a crucial platform for developing future leaders. Dr. Donna Phillips, President and CEO of the Center for Civic Education, emphasized the competition's role in preserving and understanding the foundational principles of the United States.
Notably, attorney Israel Piedra, who previously competed as a high school student, served as a judge, underscoring the competition's long-term impact on participants. The event not only tests students' constitutional knowledge but also inspires continued civic engagement and understanding of democratic processes.
