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Amador Valley High School’s competition civics team won the California state championship Friday at the statewide “We the People…” competition. It was the tenth time that Amador topped all other California teams, giving Amador another chance to compete in the national competition scheduled for April.

Foothill High School finished second in the Sacramento competition, with Arcadia High taking third. Centennial High School in Bakersfield finished fourth among 12 teams from high schools in the state that competed.

After two days of simulated hearings, during which students were required to apply constitutional principles and historical facts to contemporary situations, the class from Amador emerged as the state champion.

According to Attorney Ben Glickman, a former “We the People” participant, this is the eighth year that Amador competition civics teams have won state championships and competed in the national contest. He said the school fielded teams in the nationals in 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 1995, Amador won the national championship.

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6 Comments

  1. Amador High School is fortunate to have a team of fantastic social studies teachers. Keldon Clegg, Brian Ladd, Mairi Wohlgemuth, Sebastian Bull, Chris Murphy and others have inspired our teenagers to be enthusiastic, intellectual, and quite passionate champions of our Constitution. Amazing! Our sincere thanks for giving our kids this life-changing experience. Penny Johnson

  2. This year’s competition was very close. Amador placed #1 and Foothill High #2 in the entire state with only a 5 point spread between them in the final judging. This outcome is all the more remarkable because the Foothill teacher this year, Mr. Jeremy Detamore, is first year teacher and new to the We The People Program. As a parent of a Foothill senior, I am extremely grateful for the commitment Mr. Detamore has shown this program. It is reflected in the excitement of his students and their exemplary performance in the final judging in Sacramento. We are indeed fortunate to have such dedicated teachers in Pleasanton. I can only hope that with the budget cuts that will surely hit our school, such a high quality teacher as Mr. Detamore will survive to motivate future generations of our students. We need more teachers like him.

  3. The 5-point spread is all the more remarkable when you consider it is out of more than 2000 total points. Both Foothill and Amador should be extremely proud of their tremendous accomplishments. And, yes, the district should do whatever it takes to ensure Messrs. Clegg and Detamore keep their jobs.

  4. Congrats to both teams on making Finals on Friday and to Amador Valley for advancing to the National Competition in April.

    Both teams did Pleasanton proud!

    I hope our schools will recognize the amazing talent in both teachers! When a teacher can TEACH and MOTIVATE students to this level, they deserve a place in our educational system regardless of the number of years of employment.

    Good luck to Amador Valley!

  6. Here’s context for why these students’ achievement is fantastic: http://72.32.50.200/CitizenAction/CivicResearchResults/NCCNationalPoll/HighlightsofthePoll.shtml

    How Uninformed is the American Public?

    * Only 6% can name all four rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. (24% cannot name even one. 27% can only name one. 43% can name two or three.)
    * 62% cannot name all three branches of the Federal government. (One-third cannot name even one. 14% can only name one. 15% can name two.)
    * 35% believe that the Constitution mandates English as the official language.
    * Only 7% can correctly identify the Constitutional Convention as the authors.
    * 4 in 5 do not know how many amendments there are to the Constitution.
    * 1 in 5 do not know that the President is Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces.
    * 84% believe that the U.S. Constitution is the document that states that “all men are created equal”, thus confusing it with the Declaration of Independence.
    * 1 out of 6 believe that the Constitution establishes America as a Christian nation.
    * 32% believe that John Hancock had a hand in drafting the Constitution.

  9. Congratulations to both Foothill and Amador. Both Jeremy Detamore and Keldon Clegg are welcomed additions to the We the People family in California.

    12 teams advanced to the state finals, including my own team from irvington High School in Fremont. The brain power in the banquet room was awe inspiring. The BEST part of this program is that these young adults KNOW why the Constitution is important and no matter what careers they pursue will be participatory citizens and will pass that passion on to others.

    We all wish the Amador Team well in its preparation for the Nationals in April. I know from experience that it is a very expensive proposition. I know they would appreciate donations in any amount to help with the $45,000 cost of transporting the students and adults to Washington DC. I am sure donations may be sent to the school labeled We the People.

    Good Luck! I am happy to help with whatever you need.

  10. I am extremely proud of Amador’s Comp Civics team. They all did an amazing job. Mr. Clegg has done a fantastic job coaching Amador’s team. The lessons he is teaching these kids today will last each one of them a lifetime. Thank you Mr. Clegg for your commitment to excellence for these kids. PUSD is lucky to have you here.

  12. Congrats to all, at Amador AND Foothill. Two things are guaranteed…

    1. Those affiliated with both schools, past and present are proud as can be.

    2. Coach has that subtle smirk on his face and is as happy as a clam.

    cheers!

  13. Congrats to all, at Amador AND Foothill. Two things are guaranteed…

    1. Those affiliated with both schools, past and present are proud as can be.

    2. Coach has that subtle smirk on his face and is as happy as a clam.

    cheers!

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