West Tech students headed to D.C. for ‘We the People’ national competition
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Students from West Technical Career and Academy are heading to the nation’s capital to compete in the “We The People” competition. They’re hoping to represent the state of Nevada, and more importantly Las Vegas, in the national competition this weekend.
This is only the fourth time in a quarter century that a team from southern Nevada has landed a spot in this prestigious competition. There, the students will perform somewhat of a congressional hearing, and they’ve been preparing their arguments all year.
Since classes started in August, the students have been hitting the books, “grinding” on all their government and historical knowledge, according to senior Kaylee Yakish. They’ve learned the Constitution inside and out, studied and researched Supreme Court cases, analyzed current events, and are now making their final preparations.
“Throughout my research I’ve learned a lot of things and it’s really nice to have opportunities to go in depth about different SCOTUS cases,” said Yakish. “I’ve learned a lot about different political issues going on right now. And I think it’s really important to familiarize ourselves with issues that are going around especially within our state Nevada.”
Senior Katherine Grimm said although she doesn’t plan to pursue a career in political science, the program has prepared her to be an active participant in our democratic society.
“I think that I have developed really important skills in life in general,” Grimm said. “I’m going to be 18 soon so I’m going to be voting and I think that this class has really helped me build that foundation of knowledge that’s really important to know as an American citizen.”
Once in Washington, D.C., the students will present their briefings and will then be cross-examined by sitting judges, practicing attorneys, and legal experts. But their trip to D.C. isn’t all work. While on the East Coast, the students will also get the opportunity to have some fun with plans to visit all the must-see attractions in the nation’s capital, including the Constitution which they say they know like the back of their hand.
The “We The People” national competition is on Saturday, April 12 in Washington D.C. The senior government and “We The People” students are looking to bring home the win for southern Nevada, with their main goal of beating out Reno. They’re also asking for the community’s support. You can donate to assist with their expenses by visiting this link.
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