Carolina Forest High School students claimed the state championship in a contest that challenges students’ understanding and ability to interpret the United States Constitution. The South Carolina Bar Association’s We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution competition was held on January 9 at the Moore School of Business located on the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia. The Carolina Forest High School team won over Wilson Hall in Sumter and Wilson High School in Florence to represent South Carolina at the national finals in Washington, D.C. on April 24-28.

Team members are: Kenzie Davenport, Sydni Donellan, Alex Forney, Cierra Hauch, Shannon Holbrook, Aaryn Kirby, Ana Lavado, Julie Le, Molly Lynch, Taylor Martin, Jordan McCarthy, Noah Montague, Sara Robbins, Angelina Rotman, Linh Van, Hannah Wathen, Stephen Williams, Scott Wims and Ali Wright. The team is coached by Scott Simon.

We the People is an in-depth study of American history with an emphasis on understanding the formation of the Constitution and its interpretation throughout history. Students compete in a mock congressional hearing and discuss critical issues regarding American government, the founding fathers, and current events based on a constitutional perspective.

The South Carolina Bar’s Law Related Education Division, which was developed as a teacher resource, has been a part of the Bar since 1976. We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is made possible through grants from the Center for Civic Education and the South Carolina Bar Foundation. The South Carolina Bar, which has a membership of more than 13,000 lawyers, is dedicated to advancing justice, professionalism, and understanding of the law.