Bob Graham Education Center’s (BGEC) Civic Engagement Academy (CEA) won 1st place in Miami-Dade County Public School’s “We the People” District Competition on January 11. Students will continue to the State’s “We the People” Competition in Orlando on February 2nd. This marks the 4th consecutive year that the team has earned 1st place and moves on to States.
CEA teachers Jackeline Hernandez and John Brady and their students work relentlessly to learn about the intricacies of the U.S. Constitution, practice perfecting their arguments and keep up-to-date on current issues.
“We the People” is an instructional program that enhances students’ understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy. Students discover the contemporary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The culminating activity is a simulated congressional hearing in which students “testify” before a panel of judges. They demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles and have opportunities to evaluate, take and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues.
The program promotes civic competence and responsibility among the nation’s upper elementary and secondary students and enjoys active support from the Center for Civic Education, State Bar Associations and foundations, and other educational, professional, business and community organizations across the nation.