We the People Team Prepares for National Competition
Julia Alpert and Chad Maxey, seniors, work diligently during class, conducting research for their papers.
Known as one of the most challenging classes at the Academy, students are often discouraged from their fellow classmates from taking the class.
“It’s ironic that everyone who tells us not to take the class, has never taken the class before, so they don’t really even have an educated opinion,” said Audrey Dodds, senior.
However, despite these warnings, students who opted to take AP Political Science often say it is the most worthwhile class they have taken at Westminster.
“It has the most direct reward out of any other class because it’s applicable, and it matters,” said Andrea Williams, senior.
As the national competition approaches, the group of twelve meets on Saturdays leading up to the competition for practice run throughs of their questions and follow ups. Ken Boesch, American Government and AP political science teacher, Howard Warren, AP US history teacher, and Kelley Schwartz, history of western civilization teacher, conduct these practice sessions, peppering the students with follow-up questions.
“The first time going in is kind of terrifying, but after going in a couple of times, you kind of get the hang of it,” said Hannah Caple, senior.
In addition to these run throughs, the We the People team has the opportunity to travel to Jefferson City this year on March 30 as a time to rehearse their questions in front of additional judges who are lawyers, representatives, or American government teachers. In addition, Joplin High School will be traveling to Jefferson City to prepare for the national competition as they will be representing Missouri as well. The Westminster team hopes to use this as a time to mend the relationship between the two schools.
“I think it’s going to be really interesting working with [Joplin] and seeing what they are like,” said Maren Osterholt, senior.
Once all of their preparation is complete, the We the People team will depart for Washington DC on April 25 to compete in the national competition.
“It’s going to be absolutely incredible to spend a week in DC with this amazing group of people,” said Dodds.”
