Highlands High School wins Ky. 'We the People' contest, advances to D.C.
Reigning state champion Highlands High School, of Ft. Thomas, Ky., will make another trip to the “We The People” national finals after winning top place in today's state competition.
The annual state competition was hosted by the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville and featured five teams from across the Commonwealth.
The contest assessed students’ knowledge and understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Teams studied law, history and civics in their classrooms to prepare for the event. Each team participated in mock Congressional hearings and was judged by UofL professors, McConnell Scholar alumni, local professionals and UofL students.
“Understanding the American constitutional order has always been vital. As civic education offerings have diminished in curriculum of many schools, programs like ‘We The People’ become ever more essential in our efforts to encourage our young people to understand and think though our heritage of free government,” said McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg. “I applaud these young people and their teachers for going the extra mile to become more informed and engaged citizens.”
Led by coach Megan Boimann-Hennies and principal Brian Robinson, the Ft. Thomas team will participate in the national April 21-24 finals, held at the National Conference Center in Washington, DC. Students will have the opportunity to compete in real congressional hearing rooms on Capitol Hill.
At the state level, Ft. Thomas Highlands competed against teams from Bullitt East High School (coached by Sue Roe), Owen County High School (coached by Kevin Webster and Kyle Smith), and Franklin County High School (coached by Sonya Gardner). Franklin County earned second place overall.
Glenn Manns serves as the state coordinator for the Kentucky “We The People” program and organized the annual event.
Participants on the Highlands High School team include:
- Tommy Brown
- Lily Fennell
- Kayla Groneck
- Noah Moore
- Emma Petersen
- Robert Schaub
- Julia Scott
- Sam Shelton
- Abby Staab
- Nico Thom
- Jaret Thompson
- Danielle Turner
- Alicia Ulibarri