[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 8394-8395] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING DULUTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE 2008 WE THE PEOPLE NATIONAL FINALS ______ HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR of minnesota in the house of representatives Thursday, May 8, 2008 Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, from May 3-5, 2008, more than 1200 students from across the country visited Washington, D.C. to take part in the National Finals of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, one of the most extensive educational programs in the country developed to educate young people about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Administered by the Center for Civic Education, the We the People program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education by act of Congress. It is important to note that results of independent studies of this nationally acclaimed program have shown that We the People students have gained a greater political tolerance and attained an excellent understanding of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. With many reports and surveys indicating the lack of civic knowledge and civic participation, I am pleased to support such a superb program that is producing an enlightened and engaged citizenry. I am proud to announce that the state of Minnesota was represented by a class from Duluth Central High School at this prestigious national event. These outstanding students, through their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, won their statewide competition and earned the chance to come to our nation's capital and compete at the national level. The names of these outstanding students from Duluth Central High School are: Leanna Albertson, Sharlene Balik, Krista Benko, Gregory Bongey, John Brakke, Whitney Buck, Jessica Churchill, Kylie Dalager, Alissa EIke, Chad Erlemeier, Zack Filipovich, Jordan Foschi, Nicholas Foucault, Robert Gitar, Daniel Gunderson, Matthew Harold, Elizabeth Hauschildt, Garth Heikkinen, Amy Hietala, Grace Larsen, Joseph Makynen, Marina McCuskey, Jason Michalicek, Hannah Olson, Liza Pierre, Jessica Primozich, Molly Prudden, Matthew Roberts, Eric Stokes, and Joseph Von Rueden. While in Washington, the students participated in a three-day academic competition that simulates a congressional hearing in which they ``testified'' before a panel of judges. Students demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles as they evaluated, took, and defended positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues. [[Page 8395]] I also wish to commend the teacher of the class, Ethan Fisher, who was responsible for preparing these young constitutional experts for the National Finals. Also worthy of special recognition is Jennifer Bloom, the state coordinator, who is responsible for implementing the We the People program in the great state of Minnesota. I applaud the exceptional achievements of these students. ____________________