East High wins “ We the People” competition

East High School took top honors in Nebraska’s “We the People” contest last month. 

The Spartans participated in the event with four other schools. High school teams use the “We the People” curriculum and compete with simulated hearings before community members. Southwest, Southeast and North Star also competed. The Nebraska State Bar Foundation sponsors the contest.

East will represent Nebraska at a national competition in Washington D.C. More than 1,200 high school students will participate in the national finals. Social studies teacher Kevin Rippe will lead the Spartans at the national competition.

“I am proud of the skill and knowledge that my students demonstrate in the competition.  There is an element of research and planning, but it's the ‘on the spot’ thinking and reaction of the follow-up questions where students can really shine. The judges often comment to my students how much their faith in our democratic institutions is renewed after hearing and seeing what the youth of today can do in this competition,” Rippe said.

While in D.C., students can visit historical sites and meet congress members and other dignitaries.  

 

 

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