This story was published Friday, January 4th, 2008
By Sara Schilling, Herald staff writer

Kayla Shoemaker didn't know much about government when the school year began. Now thanks to plenty of nights spent with her nose stuck in history books, she's an expert on amendments and can tell you how the Virginia Declaration of Rights influenced the U.S. Constitution.

Her hard work has earned her a trip to the state capital. Shoemaker and 16 teammates from River's Edge High School in Richland won the recent "We the People" regional competition in Pasco and qualified for the state meet next week in Olympia. The competition tests students' knowledge of history and government. The Richland team is the first from an alternative school to win a regional "We the People" meet. The contest has been around for 20 years.

"It was the biggest accomplishment I've ever made in my life," said Shoemaker, 17, a senior. "It definitely feels good to know we're the first and only alternative school to ever win a (regional) competition," added fellow senior Robert Eychaner, 18.

Students work in small groups on assigned essays about everything from the philosophical foundations of American politics to the lasting contributions of the Articles of Confederation. They present their findings in simulated congressional hearings and must answer questions on the spot. The high-stakes sessions make students more confident and help them connect history and government to world events, said teacher Denise Brimmer. "I know when they leave the class they will be participating citizens who will vote, who will care," she said. Jackie Ives is the team's other teacher.

The River's Edge students spent several days of their winter break in the classroom making sure they're prepared. Several said they didn't mind forgoing extra sleep or hours in front of the TV because they want to do well and advance to the national competition this spring in Washington, D.C.

On Thursday, the teens moved their desks together or sat on couches to practice their presentations. Some passionately formulated arguments on voting rights while others scribbled quietly in notebooks and on notecards.

Brimmer and Ives wandered around the classroom answering questions."People think (alternative school students) are all not-as-smart druggies. I'm proud of all of us, just the school in general," said Sam DeBrine, 19, a senior. "It's cool to break the stereotype."

The state competition is Wednesday.

C 2008 Tri-City Herald, Associated Press & Other Wire Services