East Grand Rapids High School, led by teacher Janice Yates, took first place at the We the People State Finals held January 6 at the Michigan Capitol Complex in Lansing. Howell High School finished second and Marquette High School finished third. East Kentwood High School and Coldwater High School took Honorable Mention.

Every year, volunteers dedicate their time to evaluate the students’ performance during the simulated congressional hearings. One judge said, “To see and interact with all those eager, well-prepared students and their teachers and parents and friends is just a gift.” The event would not have been possible without the over fifty volunteers who spent the day with the students. With their first-place finish, East Grand Rapids qualifies to compete against other states in the 25th Anniversary We the People National finals, held in Washington, D.C., and at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, April 28-30. Other participating schools included Bethany Christian School, Troy; Cesar Chavez Academy High School, Detroit; Hudsonville High School; Marion High School, Bloomfield Hills; The Potter’s House, Grand Rapids; and Richmond High School.