CCV Academic Competition Goes Virtual

By Jackie Holfelder

The 5^th annual Constitution Academic Competition looked very different than its four predecessors. Like so many nonprofit-related activities that have taken place since mid-March, technology ruled the day as teams of high school students demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of the United States Constitution.

The Center for Constitutional Values (CCV) and the Martin County School District share this unique partnership.

Teams from Jensen Beach (JBHS), Martin County (MCHS) and South Fork (SFHS) High Schools discussed the relevance of the Electoral College in today’s world, competing for scholarships to be used towards their higher educations.

Judge Alan Forst of the 4th District Court of Appeals, serving as moderator, phrased the question thusly: What is the origin of the Electoral College? How did it get into the U.S. Constitution? How was it initially structured? What were the expectations of the system’s proponents?

Participating teams had won a debate against another team at its specific school earlier this year.

JBHS was represented by Shea Powers and Jackson McAfee, MCHS by Jordan LoSardo and Jillian Plymale and SFHS by Solomon Scholl and Frankie DeCesare.

After the three teams had completed their presentations, Judge Forst reviewed their responses and decided the order of merit in which the scholarships would be presented.

“I want to thank all of the groups who participated. They were great and the time and effort that went into preparation is apparent,” he said.

Kate Boland, President of CCV, announced that the SFHS team of Scholl and DeCesare was recipient of the first-place scholarship of $1,000 each, the JBHS team Powers and McAfee received the second-place scholarship of $500 each and the MCHS team of LoSardo and Plymale was awarded the third-place scholarship of $250 each.

Scholarships are funded by donations from individuals and organizations in Martin County and other locations.

The Center for Constitutional Values is a 501 (c) (3) organization created to encourage greater knowledge of the United States Constitution and its importance. Programs include the scholarship program and a speaker’s series to foster discussion of historical and contemporary issues.

For information and to make a donation, contact Kate Boland at CCVMartinCounty@gmail.com or 772 266-3386. Learn more at www.centerforconstitutionalvalues.com and Facebook.com/centerforconstitutionalvalues

Photos provided by Center for Constitutional Values and taken at qualifying debates earlier this year.

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