2017 Constitutional Academy

0:13 This week the Bill of Rights Institute brought 32 kids from all over the United States to Washington DC to discuss civil discourse and why that’s important in today’s day and age. As part of the week kids have the opportunity to attend the Kids have the opportunity to attend the Newseum, to attend Arlington National Cemetery, and

0:35 tours at the Capitol. My name is Mikul Gish, I’m from Wichita, Kansas. My name is Zachary Sklar, I live in Harvard, Massachusetts. My name is Kamaya Washington and I’m from Kansas. My name is Casey Thompson, I’m from Ashe County, North Carolina, and I was brought to this Academy because I have a passion for the Constitution. My name is Shane Carley, I’m from Trumbull, Connecticut, and from the Constitutional Academy is just like

0:58 the courses that they’re going to be teaching here this week. I’m really interested in Constitutional Law. I think that’s the career I like to pursue. And it’s just like a perfect fit. I came to Constitutional Academy because I wanted to learn what freedom truly means. I found out the Constitutional Academy through my mom and I was part of Constitution Connection. And so I was

1:22 just really interested in getting with other high school students who are wanting to find the same things and wanting to know more about our country. My name is Chase Harward. I come from Salt Lake City, Utah. And I came

1:48 to the Constitutional Academy in Washington, D .C. to learn more about the capital and gain a better understanding of the capital of my country. I’m Olivia Miller. I’m from Kansas City, Kansas. I came to the Academy because one of my I’m from Kansas City, Kansas. I came to this academy because one of my teachers suggested it to me and I thought it sounded really interesting, like a great opportunity, so I applied

2:09 and then I got accepted. So mostly we’ve learned about civil discourse so far and civil discourse is being able to talk to people and understanding what they’re saying and telling you rather than just yelling at them. So it’s talking with a point of understanding. That’s the biggest thing we’ve learned so far and also the most beneficial. Students from across the country that are absolutely fantastic, top students, motivated.

2:36 they want to learn the Constitution, willing to give a week of their summer, and I met up with three other teachers, there were four of us chaperones, and we had a fantastic time, and I got to meet people that we still are in contact with today. If I was talking to freshmen, or really anyone, I

2:56 would tell them to expect this, really this is life changing, like this is just once in a lifetime, expect great science, great science. This is life -changing, like this is just once -in -a -lifetime. Expect great sites, great people, and to just be exposed to so much information that’s new and something that you can learn and change and really your perspective on anything. This week gives a really great opportunity for students

3:19 to come around the country and really talk about what civil discourse looks like for them. You know, what’s always wonderful about the Constitutional Academy is the opportunity to learn about the different experiences that each student brings to the table and it changes every year. that each student brings to the table and it changes every year. We have kids from all over and to really hear their perspective on life and their view

3:42 of the government is really refreshing because they are the future and as such what they do will affect the path our nation goes down.