WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) today congratulated Denver’s East High School for taking first place in the “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” competition for the third year in a row.  During the national competition, East High School also won the special Lincoln Award, presented to the school whose class achieved the highest score on Question 3 of Unit Three, which is based on a lesson about Abraham Lincoln in honor of the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth. 

“I am proud of the East High School students for their dedication to civics education.  They continue to illustrate the top-notch education program in Denver.  During the three days of competition, they demonstrated a strong understanding of the U.S. Constitution and our historical framework.  As a former volunteer coach in this program, I know the high level of commitment required for them to reach this outstanding level.  All those involved, from the students to the teacher and parents, should be very proud.”

U.S. Rep. DeGette is a supporter of the Education for Democracy Act, which helps fund programs such as “We the People,” the “School Violence Prevention Demonstration Program” and the “Civitas International program.”  These programs effectively promote among students a profound understanding of and commitment to the fundamental values and principles of American constitutional democracy as expressed in such seminal documents as the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and the Gettysburg Address. They also promote students' capacities to participate competently and responsibility in the political life of their communities and the nation.

To learn more about the program, visit http://civiced.org/.