Pflug honors Tahoma High School "We The People" debate team as Washington's best

February 14, 2008

OLYMPIA… Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, introduced a Senate resolution yesterday honoring the Tahoma High School We The People, The Citizen and Constitution debate team, which this year won its 13th victory as best in state.

“We The People is a competition between schools on their knowledge of the writings of the Founding Fathers, Supreme Court Law and the U.S. Constitution,” Pflug said. “If you ever have a chance to watch this competition, please do it. You would be so encouraged about the next generation! Their knowledge of the Constitution and constitutional law is inspiring. As a legislator, and as an alumnus of Tahoma High School, I am so proud of these students!”

Under the leadership of teacher Gretchen Wulfing, the team took home its 13th state trophy in 14 years. In 2000, the Tahoma High School team was fourth in the nation; in 2002, it won the Western Regional Award; and in 2003 the team won the top Unit Two in the Nation Award.

“The students who participate in We The People are getting an education that will affect their lives forever,” Pflug said. “It increases student participation in politics and government dramatically. In fact, 80 percent of the seniors in this program have registered to vote compared to only 37 percent of students from nonparticipating schools. This renewal of civic participation amongst our young people is critical to the future health of our system of government.”

Members of Tahoma High School's award-winning We The People team are Wesley Ball, Cade Benton, Sefora Bosancu, Sarah Brown, Tyler Dunn, Kirsten Hamberg, Matthew Hobart, Jennifer Ingertila, Katelyn Jackson, Shirley Kim, Ashley Maxwell, Joshua Pflug, Karleigh Sandwith, Brittany Schmitt, Lucas Simons, Michael Slater, Jennie Taylor, Kathleen Titus, Michelle Wallace, Stephanie Willis, and Nicholas Wold.

Sen. Pflug represents the 5th Legislative District, which includes North Bend, Maple Valley, Issaquah, Sammamish,
Fall City, Snoqualmie and parts of rural King County.

For more information contact Pat Albright
at (360) 786-7519 or albright.pat@leg.wa.gov^.