Current and former North Dakota Supreme Court Justices, along with court staff, attorneys, professors, and community members participated as judges on January 15 for the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution State Finals Challenge.
Eight teams from seven schools took part in this academic event where students showcased their understanding of the Constitution through simulated congressional committee hearings. Judges from the court system included Justices Daniel Crothers, Lisa Fair McEvers, Jerod Tufte, Doug Bahr, retired Justice Carol Kapsner, law clerks Gabrielle Frawley and Taylor Schmidt, and Director of Education Lee Ann Barnhardt.
The judging panel evaluated students' knowledge based on six units from the "We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution" textbook. These units covered topics such as philosophical and historical foundations of American political systems, constitutional creation by framers, changes to further ideals in the Declaration of Independence, impact on American institutions and practices by constitutional values and principles, rights protected by the Bill of Rights, and potential challenges to American constitutional democracy in modern times.
Edgeley High School emerged as the State Finals champion under instructor Melissa Entzi's guidance. This victory allows them to proceed to compete at the National Finals in Washington D.C. Other participating schools included Bismarck Century (Shannon Sorenson), Kidder County (Jennifer Kallenbach), Ellendale (Jeannine Gibson), Tioga (Ryan Albrecht), Hillsboro (Elliot Rotvold), and Washburn (Keith Jacobson).
The competition was hosted in Bismarck with Tony Weiler from the State Bar Association of North Dakota delivering an opening address. Governor Kelly Armstrong concluded with a keynote speech during which awards were presented.
Nationally managed by the Center for Civic Education, Humanities North Dakota oversees this program within North Dakota with support from both state legislature and bar association.