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Competition civics classes from Amador Valley, Foothill and Fremont's Irvington high schools are in Bakersfield today vying for top honors in the annual statewide "We the People" competition.

In that competition, students are demonstrating their knowledge of the Constitution before a simulated congressional committee.

Coaching the teams are history and civic teachers Brian Ladd from Amador Valley, Jeremy Detamore from Foothill, and Pleasanton City Councilwoman Cheryl Cook-Kallio from Irvington High.

Amador Valley has made the national level 10 times, coming in second in 2011 and winning the national title in 1995. That school is sending 29 students to compete at Golden Valley High School.

Foothill has made the state finals on a regular basis, but has yet to make it to the national competition. In 2009, the school lost to Amador by five points.

"California is one of the most competitive states in the nation in terms of We the People," Detamore said. "Our top teams are all national level."

Foothill is sending 28 students to the finals.

Pleasanton Weekly staff.

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