East High School swept the “We The People…The Citizen And The Constitution” competition Dec. 16 at the state Capitol and will represent the state of Colorado at the national finals in April. That event will be held in Washington, D.C.

The competition involves a simulated congressional hearing and is the culminating activity of an instructional program on the history and principles of American constitutional democracy. The program reaches students at all grade levels.

Working in cooperative teams, the entire class prepares and presents statements before a panel of community representatives, who act as congressional committee members. Students then answer questions posed by the committee members. The format provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles while providing teachers with an excellent means of assessing performance, said Gil Munoz, curriculum coordinator for social studies with Denver Public Schools.

The event is sponsored by the Center for Civic Education, a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational corporation dedicated to fostering the development of informed, responsible participation in civic life by citizens committed to values and principles fundamental to American constitutional democracy.

Other schools that competed were Clear Creek High School, Salida High School, Greeley Central High School, Coronado High School, and Jefferson County Open School.