FORT THOMAS — At the beginning, most of the American studies students at Highlands High School believed the Constitution had little impact on their lives.

Brian Robinson and Lisa Birkley teach the Highlands class that will travel to Washington this week for a competition that will test their knowledge of the Constitution. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        That was before last fall, when 21 juniors began studying for a statewide competition testing knowledge of the historic document. On Friday, the class will travel to Washington to compete in the national finals of “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution”, after winning the state competition in February.

        “Before we studied, I had no idea how complex the Constitution was and how important it is to our government. I realize now how the Constitution plays into our everyday lives,” says 16-year-old Lexie Dressman. “I also think that because of September 11, it was very important for us to know about our government.”

        So, no longer are the Bill of Rights or the Electoral College foreign terms to the students. They've also learned about “checks and balances” and how the Constitution spells out freedoms and liberties for citizens.

        The class is taught by social studies teacher Brian Robinson and English teacher Lisa Birkley. The students have spent several hours a week preparing to “testify” in a simulated congressional hearing. Ms. Birkley said the students realize “what it means to be an American and how we remain civil even under the worst circumstances because we have a set of laws and rules that we follow. ... They understand the Constitution and how it works probably better than most adults.”

        Brian Healy, 17, said the students and teachers have worked hard preparing for the competition, an experience he called “pretty exciting.”

        “Just being able to discuss it and have a grasp of it has been extremely beneficial,” he said.

        “We the People” is sponsored by the Center for Civic Education, a California-based nonprofit organization. More than 1,250 high schools students will compete this weekend in the 15th annual academic competition, with the top 10 classes squaring off Mondayfor the top prize. Each class will be divided into six groups, making presentations and answering questions.

        “It's teaching them not what to think, but how to think.” said Tam Taylor, spokeswoman for the Center for Civic Education.
       

Builder's woes claim bankers
Boy, 11, cited for heroic act
Priest told to leave parish
Teacher at Elder denies misconduct
UC biotech team falls below Duke
Six-figure salary a subject of debate
GM lot cleanup raises concerns
Leisure sues Reeces over offer
Police chief decries loss of drug-free zone
School programs promoted
Tristate A.M. Report
Wyclef Jean cancels on his own
SMITH AMOS: A cop's life
BRONSON: 'Sin tax'
HOWARD: Some Good News
SAMPLES: Medical wrong object of run
Alarm alerts residents to fire
Cox Road work wreaks havoc
Deal will help kids play ball
Evans and Craft highest in rating
Falsely accused teacher wins suit
Steps aim to improve air at school
Warren's Kilburn eagerly assists
Withheld checks trickling out
Budget debate segues to hoops
Contestants and the Constitution
Defendant tape played during trial
Ky. keeps tabs on molesters
Man hurt in shootout
Search is on at UK
Security chief must think like a terrorist
Senate, House remain stalled on budget
suits filed against church in Louisville
UK trustees OK property swap