By Nancy Edwards
For eight months, 18 FHS seniors spent 20-30 hours a week preparing for a once-in-a lifetime opportunity: competing nationally at the 27th annual “We the People” contest in Washington, D.C.
Intense practice mock trials and weekends were spent at unit advisors’ homes, in addition to applying to colleges, studying for AP classes and performing in other extra-curricular activities.
The sacrifice paid off for the hard-working teens; for the first time in the high school’s history, the team took top 10 honors at the national contest, placing fourth overall.
“This was such a huge accomplishment for the team and Fishers High School,” Liz Paternoster, FHS team coach, said. “I could not be prouder of the team this year.”
The national finals were held April 26-28 at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. Teams making the top 10 cut competed at Capitol Hill in the same hearing room Congress has used to debate federal legislation.
The competition got “progressively harder,” as the students continued their journey, according to FHS senior Ryan Elliott. Judges tested students on their knowledge, poise and ability to think on their feet by attempting to throw them off-balance, sometimes cutting them off in mid-sentence.
“The judges asked us some very difficult questions,” Elliott said. “They always pressured us on a different way of thinking.”
The students worked hard to stay focused and were prepared for whatever came their way, according to Debra Elliott, Ryan’s mother.
“What I saw at the national level from a parental perspective was the amount of confidence and maturity gained in a short amount of time,” Debra said. “The students’ ability to interact with the judges was absolutely phenomenal. That confidence and belief is an immeasurable set path to a career step.”
Student participation in the team has influenced some to consider different career paths, according to Ryan, who plans to study international relations and affairs at the Virginia Military Institute. For example, those formerly interested in biology are now thinking about studying law, history or government.
“This experience has taught me more about history, government, public speaking and English writing in eight months more than in school,” Ryan said.
Ryan and Paternoster also wish to thank the countless supporters of “We the People,” including teachers and unit advisors.
“Mike Fassold, Robert Dyson, Geoff Tease, Taylor Schueth, Chris Edwards, and Mary Gaier were amazing constitutional advisors for the kids along with helping them hone their presentation skills achieved overall confidence,” Paternoster said.
“The Fishers community also shared many experts who volunteered their time as judges, advisors and chaperones on the trip. The team would like to thank those that volunteered to judge: Supt. Dr. Brian Smith, Principal Jason Urban, Town Council member Renee Cox, Judge Dan Henke, Judge Paul Felix, Judge Paul Mathias, Janet Chandler, Deborah Hejl, Mark Pierson, Suzy Huppenthal, Tammie Spencer, Katrina Hockemeyer, Diane Eaton, Beth Niedermeyer, Dawn McGrath, Seamus Boyce and the law firm of Church, Church, Hittle, and Antrim, Caryn Glawe and the law firm of Faegre, Baker, and Daniels, Rep. Todd Huston, Sen. Jim Merritt and Catherine Watkins and David Burian from Congresswoman Brook’s staff,” she said.
Paternoster also credits local businesses for donations, including Renner’s Body Works, Keystone Construction, Kroger and Pedcor, as well as law firms, such as Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman, along with the Hamilton County Bar Association and the Indiana Bar Foundation. A complete list of donors can be seen at http://www.gofundme.com/6emck8.
