"We the People" competition: Wauwatosa West H.S. students prepare to visit Washington, D.C.

“We the People” competition: Wauwatosa West H.S. students prepare to visit Washington, D.C.

"We the People" competition: Wauwatosa West H.S. students prepare to visit Washington, D.C.

WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- After winning Wisconsin’s “We the People” competition for the eighth straight year, 26 Wauwatosa West High School students are preparing to head to Washington, D.C., April 24-29, to represent Wisconsin in the national competition featuring state winners from all 50 states.

In 1987, the Center for Civic Education started the “We the People: the Citizen and the Constitution” program. As part of the program, students study the Constitution, including its philosophical underpinnings and creation, its amendments, seminal case law, and modern-day applications.

"We are learning exactly what makes this nation tick," said Alex Lee,  Wauwatosa West High School junior.

Some of the material can be compared to 600 level college courses, so the studying is tough. But the students give it their all because of the pressure to win.

"The competition keeps them hungry and keeps them motivated to keep learning because they know they can never know enough," said Chad Mateske, Wauwatosa West High School history teacher.

In addition to working hard to prepare for the national competition in Washington, D.C., the Wauwatosa West  students now have the tremendous task of raising $60,000 to ensure that the entire team can travel together to the national hearings.

The group is planning several fundraisers, including a brunch and silent auction on Sunday, March 8 from 10  a.m. to 3 pm at O’Sullivan’s, 12525 West North Avenue in Brookfield. Cost of the event is $15 at the door.  Reservations are encouraged as this event fills quickly. To make one, please call 262-784-1656.

Donations can also be sent to the attention of Mr. Mateske at Wauwatosa West High School, 11400 West  Center Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53222. Checks should be made payable to: Wauwatosa West High School with  “We the People” in the memo section.

Also, if you dine at the Wauwatosa Chancery anytime on February 26th, 2015, 25% of all food sales that day (when accompanied by this completed flyer) will be donated to We The People Wauwatosa West.

CLICK HERE to access the Go Fund Me page.