"We the People of the United States…" The Framers of our Constitution were trained and experienced in the Law. They confirmed this truth in the Declaration of Independence that “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed;” and, it was “a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal …a government, of the people, by the people, for the people.” (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address).
Understanding the intricacies of the Constitution, even for those adept at the law, is a challenge that is quite daunting. For high school students, you might think it impossible; however, with the right coaching and guidance, that's just what happens in the AP Government class.
Representing Robert C. Byrd High School, 21 students and AP Government Instructor Greg Phillips met at the Federal Building in downtown Clarksburg to participate in a program entitled “We the People” for the District 1 Competition. In weeks prior, the students prepared themselves with a wealth of knowledge regarding the Constitution and its components.
The RCB competitors included Stephanie Sacra, Luke Elam, Duncan Farmer, Theo Frick, Nathan Fubio, Ben Linger, Mason Marrs, Bryce McCabe, Dylan McCullough, Ethan Meighen, Madisen Miles, Danah Phillips, Kendall Robey, Chase Sfameni, Cory Shingleton, Lura Simons, Riley Spears, Matthew Strange, CJ Underwood, Mike Utt, and Brayden Warne.
At the conclusion of the event, the team of McCullough, Frick, Strange, and Underwood prevailed, placing first in the competition. Congratulations!!