Sarah Chahine has big plans for life after SJO.
The St. Joseph-Ogden senior plans on pursuing a law degree.
In order to help prepare that step, Chahine joined the SJO We the People Civics team.
“I am very passionate about particular political topics so I figured this was the perfect opportunity for my voice to me heard,” she said.
The We the People Contest is a nationwide civics contest. Teams must first win their state competition or place second through wild card availability to advance to the national contest in Washington D.C. During the contest students participate in simulated congressional hearings and testify as congressional experts before a panel of judges who act as congressional committees. The groups are scored on a performance based-assessment. The students have to show they have a depth of knowledge, understanding and the ability to apply constitutional principals.
This is the third year SJO has participated in the contest.
Senior Hannah Lewis has teacher Marshall Schacht to thank for getting her involved in the We the People team.
Schacht approached Lewis and talked up the experience previous teams have had.
“He told me that not only would I improve my civics skills but I would grow more as a person and hopefully gain a closer bond with my classmates,” Lewis said.
Schacht said the students who participate in the contest have bonded and have found an increased love of civics.
“Two of our unit groups were asked to leave the building this past week by the custodian for working together past school hours,” he said. “The fact that we have groups of seniors debating their stance on constitutional issues into the night gives me hope.”
Chahine said she enjoys learning about the rights and privileges that the Constitution allows United States Citizens.
She also credited Schacht for making the topic interesting.
“If it wasn’t for him, I know for sure I would not enjoy civics as much as I do today,” she said.
Lewis agreed.
She said she loves that the students can tell that Schacht is passionate about civics and tries to engage every student in his class.
“He makes the classroom environment fun and open so that everyone feels comfortable sharing their opinions,” she said. “He makes sure that we are all educated enough so that we have evidence to back up our opinions as well.”
Senior Rylee Sjuts said she is participating because she loves being challenged ad the debate aspect of the contest.
“It makes me feel really professional and sharp,” she said. “My favorite part about civics is the debating and discussions, but I also enjoy what we learn. Mr. Schacht makes it interesting and challenges us and leads really interesting discussions.”
This year’s We the People team has a variety of political views represented which leads to interesting discussions within the group, Schacht said.
“The judges find that respectful conversation refreshing and inspiring in our increasingly partisan world,” he said.
Judges at a recent practice included Attorney Chad Beckett and Judge Brett Olmstead. Four mayors also volunteered their time. They included Champaign Mayor Deb Frank Feinen, Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin, Savoy Mayor Joan Dykstra and St. Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges.
Fruling-Voges said she was very excited to see students so interested in the Constitution, politics and civics.
“ I wish more students would become more interested, because young people take so much for granted when it comes to the freedoms that we enjoy today in our great country,” she said. “It’s so important for young people to understand how and why our government is set up as it is. Our constitution is what holds our values as US citizens together.”
Dykstra said she was in awe of the students’ breadth of knowledge and understanding in civics, politics and The Constitution.
“Many of these students will surely become leaders in their community and, perhaps, run for office,” she said.
Feinen agreed.
“I am incredibly impressed with the SJO students,” she said. “I am inspired that the next generation is actively engaged in learning about civics, politics and the constitution and convinced that we will be leaving things in capable hands when they take over.”
Feinen and Dykstra said they jumped at the chance to be judges for the practice competition.
“I agreed to judge because as a Mayor and a lawyer I am dedicated to encouraging civil engagement in young people,’ Feinen said. “I know that part of my job is to demystify politics and law so that kids are inspired to get involved and also to eventually run for office.”
Dykstra, a former teacher, said she wanted to continue to encourage young adults to be engaged in fact-based, civil discussion.
“This skill seems to be lacking in public discourse today, even among adults,” she said.
Feinen said she hopes the students learned to see both sides of an issue and work towards their goals.
“I also hope they are inspired to someday attend law school, get involved in government, be an active and engaged citizen and/or run for office,” she said.
Fuhling-Voges said she hopes the students gained a deeper understanding of how politics and The Constitution should work together.
“With that understanding they will be more informed and engaged as citizens,” she said. “Our country’s future depends on that knowledge and involvement.”
Dykstra said she hoped students were challenged and the practice helped them stretch their knowledge while allowing them to learn to ‘think on their feet.’
Schacht said the group appreciated the mayors giving up their Sundays to help them practice.
“The four mayors provide examples of civic participation that the students don’t regularly appreciate,” Schacht said. “While the news focuses on the national agenda and our president, governing is done at the local level by people just like us. Their insight was valuable as they could connect the theoretical to the practical. Furthermore, I loved the fact that the young women in my class to could see role models that have paved the way for them to lead.”
Schacht said the students care about the competition and want to win but more importantly they are passionate about the subject of civics.
“They are not doing this for a grade,” he said. “They are enjoying their moment. I am fortunate to be surrounded by talented, motivated students with something to say on issues that matter. They want to be heard.”
Chahine said she feels it is important for student to be informed on their constitutional right so they can utilize them when needed.
“And so we can keep our democracy progressing in change for the better,” she said.
Senior Cassidy Bagby said she enjoys learning about the history of the country while learning how the government works.
“I feel it is important for students to be civic minded in order to participate in our government,” she said.
Lewis said she feels it is important for students to be civically engaged because they will soon be voting and making important decisions.
“As citizens it is important to know how our government functions at the local and national level because it has an effect on our lives,” Lewis said.
Sjuts said she thinks it is important for students to be civically involved because it is important for them to be informed voters.
“It’s important to know how things work and what we believe because it’s a big responsibility,” she said.
Currently, students are preparing on their own for the contest by refining their statements and preparing for the question and answer sessions. Schacht feeds them articles from the news and helps them with concepts they are trying to clarify but the students meet outside of school to practice their answers.
Schacht said the team has used the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution curriculum.
“We have studied all six units and engaged in congressional hearings in class since August,” he said. “Now, the units are working own their own to improve for the state finals on December 7. We can refine their ability to answer questions clearly and concisely. Their vocabulary must be efficient and contain nouns. Specific details and connections must be fluid and not sound robotic or rehearsed.”
Schacht said having teams participate in the contest has energized him as a teacher while bringing excitement to the students.
“They are eager to build upon the experiences of the past two teams to make their own mark,” he said.
“Traditions must start somewhere and we have begun something special here at SJO. The state final competition at the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago is now my favorite day of the year. Seeing these teams of young people in their business suits having discussions on the Constitution with lawyers, professors and congressmen is remarkable. It is a true team experience where each unit has their chance to shine. Pride, satisfaction, joy, relief and a sense of accomplishment all flood over the students with a wave of applause and cheering from their friends and family. What could be better than that.”
