After snagging its eighth straight state title, a team of young scholars from Wauwatosa West High School is headed to Washington D.C. to represent Wisconsin in a nationwide civics competition.
The students are part of a national program called "We the People," an academic course and competition rolled into one.
Students spend the first hour of every school day in a rigorous class focused on the U.S. Constitution. Then -- after school -- they continue their study in the library, researching U.S. Government and preparing verbal statements on the subject matter.
Each student's research is then examined by a panel of legal experts who quiz them on civic matters and their understanding of the Constitution.
Now, after taking the state title last month, the students are digging deeper into their research and preparing for a competition on a much bigger stage -- George Mason University outside of Washington D.C.
The final nationwide competition takes place April 24 - 29.
In order for the students to travel together, they need to raise $60,000 before the competition. The group is planning several fundraisers, including a brunch and silent auction on Sunday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 pm at O’Sullivan’s, 12525 West North Avenue in Brookfield. Cost of the event is $15 at the door. To make a reservation, call 262-784-1656. The students also have a GoFundMe page.
Click the podcast player above to hear our interview with instructor Chad Mateske and two students in the program.
