S*0285 Concurrent Resolution, By Lourie
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE RICHLAND NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL ON
 THEIR 2004 STATE "WE THE PEOPLE: THE CITIZEN AND THE CONSTITUTION"
 CHAMPIONSHIP, AND WISH THEM SUCCESS AT THE NATIONAL FINALS COMPETITION IN
 WASHINGTON, D.C., THIS SPRING.

   01/19/05  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-4
   01/25/05  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-5

TO CONGRATULATE RICHLAND NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL ON THEIR 2004 STATE "WE THE PEOPLE: THE CITIZEN AND THE CONSTITUTION" CHAMPIONSHIP, AND WISH THEM SUCCESS AT THE NATIONAL FINALS COMPETITION IN WASHINGTON, D.C., THIS SPRING.

Whereas, "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" is an instructional program that enhances upper elementary, middle, and high school students' understanding of the American constitutional democracy. The program utilizes an innovative instructional style relying on the traditional textbook method combined with classroom and extracurricular activities; and

Whereas, to foster learning elementary and middle school level classes may conduct noncompetitive hearings in which the entire class, working in cooperative teams, prepare and present statements before a panel of community representatives who act as congressional committee members. Students then answer questions posed by the committee members; and

Whereas, although teachers at the high school level may conduct noncompetitive hearings, they are encouraged to participate in the nationwide competitive program; and

Whereas, the high school competition begins at the congressional district level with teams from each school vying for the district championship. District winners advance to compete at a statewide hearing. The state champions then travel to Washington, D.C., in the spring to represent their State in the "We the People" national finals; and

Whereas, Elizabeth Crenshaw's United States History class at Richland Northeast High School did an outstanding job preparing for the "We the People" competition. Their exhaustive preparation was evident as their polished presentation skills and broad reaching knowledge shown through when responding to questions posed by the committee members; and

Whereas, the Richland Northeast High School team acquired the statewide title for the second congressional district, defeating eight other teams from across the State; and

Whereas, in May, the team will travel to Washington, D.C., to compete at the national level alongside more than 1,200 students from around the country. The students will also have the chance to visit historic sites and meet with members of Congress; and

Whereas, recognizing the program's powerful educational effects on students' civic knowledge and attitudes the program's coordinator, the South Carolina Bar Association, will pay all expenses related to the national finals trip. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly congratulate Richland Northeast High School on their 2004 State "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" Championship, and wish them success at the national finals competition this spring.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Elizabeth Crenshaw on behalf of the championship team.