The Connection

Rachel Carson Middle School in Herndon has every reason to be proud. For the second year in a row, History and Social Studies teacher Cynthia Burgett’s special Civics class took home first place in the “We The People Competition” (WTP) at the state level and have their eyes on the big prize at the WTP National Invitationals Title round to be held on the campus of George Mason University between April 17-20.

The competition is part of the outreach efforts of the Center for Civic Education, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization affiliated with the State Bar of California that officially became a California 501(c)(3) entity in 1981.

All 30 eighth grade students in Burgett’s class participated fully in the competition, divided in groups of five to cover six units of related study. Just being selected for the class itself is worthy of recognition. “We had at least 85 applicants. As seventh graders, they went through an application process that included an essay and an interview before we chose the students who formed this class and competed,” said Burgett. Six of those students gathered in the school’s media center on Feb. 12 to talk with the Connection Newspapers about the class, the competition and what the experience has meant to them.

Esha Saini represented Unit 4 focusing on political parties and the judicial review process. “The class itself is a challenge,” she said. “Not only do we have to become experts in our sections of study, but we have to learn the full course curriculum in a condensed way.”

“It’s great though,” said Verun Gannavarapu, “really makes you think and work.” Gannavarapu’s area of expertise was Unit 1, “Philosophies of the Founding Fathers.”

THE WORK AND THE COMPETITION stretch from October to April. In order to reach the Nationals, the students compete in several rounds. After practice rounds and winning the Regionals in Purcellville, the Carson team traveled with teacher Burgett to Williamsburg where they were crowned State Champs.

And just what does the “We The People” competition look like? “Each group has to present a four minute speech based on their unit. We take turns giving parts of the speech to a panel of judges,” explained Unit 2 (Articles of Confederation and the Revolutionary War) representative Serena Xia. “It’s setup like congressional committee hearings.” After the group’s presentation comes a six-minute period in which the panel asks follow-up questions. “You need to be really ready,” acknowledged Cameron Khan, who was spokesman for Unit 5 that covered the Bill of Rights and the concept of Due Process. “The judges can ask anything from within that unit so you have to be well-versed on everything, not just what you presented.” The Carson team wouldn’t elaborate on their practice or competition strategies – “Sorry, that’s our edge,” apologized Khan. “But we’ve got ourselves well organized and know who should answer what, when,” said Eli Kaufman, whose focus was on Foreign Affairs and Citizenship.

Although these youngsters are proud of the accomplishments of their class, they aren’t resting on their laurels or taking anything for granted. They are all hard at it in preparation for the Nationals event. “We want to make everyone who has supported us proud,” declared Unit 3 (Constitutional Conventions) representative Noah Grausz. “We had students from last year come back to watch us and cheer us on. That’s pretty amazing.”

WHATEVER THE OUTCOME, all six of the Unit representatives spoke only the highest praise for the entire process. “If everyone learned what we are, people who be voting based on what they really know,” was Cameron Khan’s takeaway from the class. Serena Xia enjoys improving public speaking, time management and teamwork skills. “Yes, the team work was important. Even though our group won Best Unit, everyone deserved that award,” was Noah Grausz’s statement. Eli Kaufman and Varun Gannavarapu were glad to be challenged and still have fun and Esha Saini eloquently summed up for the group. “This was the spark to our interest. Now it’s up to us to kindle the fire.”