by Darian Eswine

Two constitutional government classes from FC competed against each other today at We the People District Competition to see which class would move on to State. The competition took place at Evansville Reitz.Senior Rebecca Coryell said she was excited and had high hopes to win.”Of course I’m excited. We’ve been preparing for this all year and now it’s time to prove what we really know,” said senior Jesse Hamilton.The classes are divided into units. They then must write speeches and become experts on their topics. Preparations for the competition began two months ago as the students began drafting their papers.

“We practiced our speeches with our groups and went over questions that have been asked before,” said Coryell.

As groups competed throughout the day, there was a mixture of feelings.

“When the judges walked in, I realized it was real. As a group I think we did pretty good,” said senior Chelsey Shackelford.

Both classes felt the competition was a good opportunity to branch out with thought and speech and to immerse themselves in knowledge of the government.

“It’s an interesting blend of constitution and competitiveness,” said Hamilton.

Senior Paige Settles said it makes students think a lot more about why citizens are so lucky to live in America. She also said it sheds light to how complex the government is.

Some of the questions asked included:
Do you believe suspected terrorists should be given the same rights and due process as other citizens?
Can you give examples of energetic presidents?
Why do we get to maintain our privacy against the government?
What freedoms do you think are in need of protection right now?

Period four won the competition with period five at a close second. Social studies teacher Suzie Moss said she is extremely proud of both teams.

“These are the best two teams I have ever taken to district. It’s sad that one team had to win and both couldn’t move on.”

Period four will compete at State Competition in Indianapolis on Dec. 19.