West Career and Technical Academy (West CTA) are gearing up to represent Nevada at the prestigious national “We The People” competition in Washington, D.C. This incredible opportunity not only showcases their academic prowess but also offers them a chance to immerse themselves in the rich history and political landscape of our nation’s capital.
From the Classroom to Congress: An Unforgettable Journey
The “We The People” program is a unique educational initiative that thrusts students into the midst of a simulated congressional hearing, where they must demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the Constitution and its applications. Guided by their dedicated teacher, Ryan Handlon, and motivated by their own passion for civic knowledge, these students have prepared rigorously to face real-time judges, lawyers, and politicians.
As Mr. Handlon explained, “They are given a subject matter, they have to research it deeply, and then they give a speech with their teammates. They have to defend it in cross-examination, usually like 10 minutes of cross-exam from real-time people who do this for a living.” The experience is as challenging as it is rewarding, testing the students’ knowledge and their ability to think on their feet.
Personal Insights from the Participants
Reagan Catlett and Daniel Malchov, two standout students from West CTA, shared their personal journeys with the program. Reagan, who joined as a junior, was drawn to the class by her desire to learn about the Constitution in depth. “Going on, it really has been amazing. I’ve been able to work hands-on with the Constitution, court cases, I’ve been able to go to Reno, and now going to Washington, D.C., has just been an amazing experience and allowed me to really learn about our government system,” she said.
Daniel, who joined the program in his senior year, reflected on the significant impact it had on him. “The experiences I’ve learned this year are basically a lifetime of being in this program. It’s honestly so amazing to see all of our hard work paying off and to go see what we have been learning for the past senior year.”
The Road to D.C.: A Historic Achievement
This year marks a momentous occasion for West CTA, as it’s only the third time in 23 years that a team from Southern Nevada has been invited to the national competition. Remarkably, West CTA has earned this distinction twice, a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students and their mentors.
Mr. Handlon, reflecting on this achievement, said, “We are one of only several teams in the last 23 years to be able to go and represent Southern Nevada in Washington, D.C. It’s just mind-blowing.”
Exploring the Capital: An Educational Adventure
The trip to Washington, D.C., promises to be more than just a competition. The students have a packed schedule that includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Washington Monument, the White House, the African American Museum, the Jewish Historical Museum, and the Korean War Museum. This experience will undoubtedly enrich their understanding of American history and governance.
While in D.C., the students also hope to meet with Nevada lawmakers and other politicians, further enhancing their civic education. Reagan expressed her excitement about the possibility of such encounters, saying, “Any politicians would be super great to meet.”
Rallying Community Support
Sending 26 students to Washington, D.C., is no small feat, and the West CTA team is calling on the community for support. “It does obviously take a community effort to do that. So, any support that we can get, we’re looking for. We want to represent Southern Nevada well,” Mr. Handlon said.
