Legislation signed into law last month will give more students from around the state the opportunity to participate in the Constitution Project.
ROBERT ROSS
During the 2016 legislative session, the initial legislation was filed as a standalone bill by Rep. Robert Ross. It was then added as an amendment to SB 638, which was signed by the governor on June 22.
The bill authorizes a school district to develop a policy allowing student participation in the Constitution Project of the Missouri Supreme Court. Ross said this is the next important step toward making this already successful program a part of the learning curriculum of even more Missouri high school students.
“This interactive program has grown in popularity as students from around the state have come to the State Capitol to participate in events that focus on everything from crime scene investigation to trial advocacy,” Ross said. “The kids who have participated have walked away with glowing reviews and a far better understanding of how our governmental processes work.”
Ross, R-Yukon said more than 250 students from 16 different school districts, including Houston, participated in the program in 2015.
“With SB 638 now signed into law, we can look forward to even more schools participating and young people from every corner of the state benefit from an experience that enhances and builds on the learning they do in the classroom,” Ross said.
Texas County Associate Circuit Judge Doug Gaston started the Constitution Project four years ago in Houston. It expanded into a regional and now statewide competition.
The objectives of the Constitution project are to give students exciting, hands-on experience in possible future careers that are integral to the United States Constitution and the nation. It also provides students a greater understanding and love for the Constitution through personal experience in the constitutional system, including concepts such as freedom of the press, due process and the right to trial by jury.
Participants are chosen based on school district excellence, capability in teaching the three disciplines of the competition and student aptitude. In addition, each community is required to pledge commitments from the school, local judges, law enforcement, media and attorneys.
Members of the 2015 Constitution Project team are pictured with Texas County Associate Circuit Judge Doug Gaston after learning they advanced to the state finals. Pictured are, front row from left: Gaston, Sydney Anderson, Sevanna Rowland, Charlie Sue Jadwin and Taylor Chipps. Second row: mentor Kim Lowe, HHS teacher Maggie Jadwin, Krista Scott, Vanessa Kirkwood, Maddison Lawson, Sammy Garrett, Caroline Dill and Leah Otte. Back row: mentor Sgt. George Falterman, Nathan Poynter, Tim Schmutzler, Kyelor Curtis, Ross Wells, Sarah Kelley, Alyssa Elliott, mentor Jeff McNiell, mentor Jim McNiell and HHS teacher Jason Pounds.