THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 11, 1996 TAG: 9604090135
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DAWSON MILLS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Long : 109 lines
The students in James Hinshaw's Advanced Placement Government class at Norfolk Christian are going places.
From April 26 to 30, they'll be in Washington, representing Virginia at the national finals of ``We the People ... The Citizen and the Constitution,'' a specialized course of study in civics that includes national competition for senior level students.
Last year, Hinshaw's students placed in the top 25 at the national finals. They've won first place in the state competition, and the right to represent Virginia at the nationals, for the last three years.
This year, in March, they defeated teams from Hanover County, Emporia and Farmville at the state finals in Richmond.
``These students were far above, head and shoulders above, the other students there,'' said Norfolk Christian student teacher Lance Collins, who traveled with the group to Richmond. ``That's borne out by their winning first place without anyone coming close.''
The class is divided into six panels, one for each unit in the advanced level text they have been studying. At the competition, modeled after congressional hearings, each panel is asked one of three questions by the judges. The three questions are known to the panelists in advance. The four or five students comprising the panel have four minutes to respond, in any order they choose.
Next, the judges ask follow-up questions; the students address those questions for six minutes. The follow-up questions are not known in advance.
At the finals, each panel will be quizzed twice. There are few, if any, right or wrong answers. Differences of opinion by the panelists are permitted and may enhance the team's score.
``Each panel is only on the firing line for 10 minutes at a time,'' explains Hinshaw, chairman of the school's social studies department.
During a rehearsal on the last day of school before Easter recess, the students of panel six were calm, cool and collected. They exuded confidence as they considered their answers and responded to questions posed by Hinshaw.
Subjects such as postcard voter registration, laws requiring mandatory voting in elections, civil rights and right-to-die provided opportunities for the panelists, and their classmates, to demonstrate knowledge of details contained in the Constitution, Bill of Rights and other amendments.
The students take the studies and competition seriously but clearly enjoy it as well.
``It gives me an increased awareness of government and how it works,'' explained Apryl Prentiss, 18, of Virginia Beach. ``It shows me that government isn't this big, ominous thing; I understand it more.''
Rachel Long, 17, of Virginia Beach said:
``It makes government come alive.''
``We the People ...'' was created by an act of Congress in 1987, under the auspices of the Commission on the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. Its honorary chairman is Warren E. Burger, former Chief Justice of the United States. With strong bipartisan support, its national advisory committee includes senators Edward M. Kennedy and Strom Thurmond.
Administered through 435 congressional districts, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the program has reached more than 20 million students and 70,000 teachers.
``For me, it deals with citizenship, the rights and duties we have as citizens,'' said Josh Uecker, 18, of Norfolk. ``It almost gives an incentive, makes me want to get involved.''
``The debate part of it, the question and answer, is kind of a preparatory session for careers some of us might go into,'' said Molly Payne, 18, of Norfolk.
As with other things in the realm of government and politics, there are purse strings attached. The five-day trip to the nationals, held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, on Pennsylvania Avenue, three blocks from the White House, costs $517 per student. The class will travel by bus and stay at the Marriott in nearby Bethesda, Md.
The Virginia state organization for the program provides $5,000, but, Hinshaw says, because of the continuing budget resolution in Washington, $100 less per student is available this year than last. Efforts are under way to raise the remainder, with about $5,000 to go.
It's a daunting task to be accomplished in a short time, but Hinshaw and his students are confident they'll be successful.
``I think it'll be neat to meet a bunch of people from different states,'' said Kyle McNiff, 17, of Virginia Beach. ``The competition will be tougher; that'll be fun.''
``It's exciting - it's one of the highlights, going to the state competition,'' said Rachel Bluemink, 18, of Norfolk. ``We were going in feeling we had a good chance. This was our third time to win. I know Mr. Hinshaw's proud of us. Going to the national finals is more exciting; it's the climax to a very, very busy year for a lot of us here.''
``The winning team gets to meet the President,'' Hinshaw said. MEMO: Those who want to help the students with their trip may send
contributions, designated for ``AP Government Trip,'' to the business
office, Norfolk Christian Schools, 255 Thole St., Norfolk, Va. 23505, or
call the high school office at 423-5735.
STATE CHAMPIONS
These are the students in James Hinshaw's Advanced Placement
Government class at Norfolk Christian:
Norfolk residents: Christa Anderson, Rachel Bluemink, Brian Carreira,
David Carter, Lyn Chase, Gretchen Cooper, Martha Duffey, Chris Elder,
Kelly Hargrove, Christy Hartsfield, Rebekah Ives, Will Jenkins, Lynn
Merkel, Molly Payne, Clark Taylor, Christine Thomas, Josh Uecker.
Virginia Beach residents: Ginny Coleman, Rachel Long, Kyle McNiff,
April Megginson, Peter Nichols, Apryl Prentiss, Jenny Russell.
Chesapeake resident: Debbie McMichael. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by DAWSON MILLS
Rachel Long, left, Peter Nichols, teacher James Hinshaw and Kelly
Hargrove, right, talk government issues at Norfolk Christian.
by CNB