Among five schools representing District 25 in the Miami-Dade County Public School’s We the People Competition, the Bob Graham Education Center’s eighth-grade Civic Engagement Academy (CEA) students won first place for the district and were named Overall District Champions among a total of ten schools.
The announcement was made by CEA teachers Ingy Cruz and Jackie Hernandez. In January, the students and teachers will continue on to the State competition for We the People in Orlando, Florida.
As first-timers in competition last year, these students won the District competition and placed third at States in Mock Trial and won Districts, States, and even presented their civic project in Washington D.C. for Project Citizen.
This was their first time competing in We the People. The students worked relentlessly to learn about the intricacies of the U.S. Constitution, practiced perfecting their arguments, and kept up-to-date on current issues.
BGEC student Gabriel Nodal said, “CEA is more than learning about our civic responsibilities. It’s learning how to defend your argument in the moment and more importantly, having an educated opinion.”
Another student, Victoria Martin said, “CEA has taught me that my voice and vote matters. I have plenty to contribute to society, and I would’ve never believed that if I was not in the CEA.”
The We the People:The Citizen and the Constitution Program promotes civic competence and responsibility among the nation’s upper elementary and secondary students. The program enjoys active support from state bar associations and foundations, and other educational, professional, business, and community organizations across the nation.