GHS Students Shine at Connecticut We The People Finals in Hartford

Key Points

• Greenwich High School (GHS) students participated in Connecticut’s We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution State Finals held in Hartford.
• The competition took place on Saturday, January 24, at Connecticut’s Old State House.
• Teams from GHS, Trumbull High School, Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, and Staples High School in Westport qualified by winning their regional competitions.
• Each school presented testimony in simulated congressional hearings before a panel of judges acting as a congressional committee.
• An awards ceremony followed at Hartford Public Library, featuring author and Professor Dr. Matthew Warshauer of Central Connecticut State University.

Hartford, Connecticut (South London News) February 7, 2026 – Students from Greenwich High School showcased their deep understanding of the US Constitution at the statewide We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution finals, competing against top teams from Trumbull High School, Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, and Staples High School in Westport. These four schools earned their spots by triumphing in regional competitions, converging at Connecticut’s historic Old State House for simulated congressional hearings. The event highlighted young scholars delivering expert testimony to judges posing as a congressional committee, culminating in an awards ceremony at Hartford Public Library with keynote speaker Professor Dr. Matthew Warshauer.

What Was the We The People Competition All About?

The We The People programme, a flagship civic education initiative by the Center for Civic Education, engages high school students in exploring constitutional principles through rigorous hearings.

Teams prepare extensively on topics like rights, governance, and current applications of the Constitution, presenting as witnesses before judges. In this year’s Connecticut state finals, participants from the invited schools demonstrated analytical prowess in these mock sessions.

As detailed in the official event coverage, the format required each school’s team to field questions from a panel acting as a congressional committee, mirroring real legislative scrutiny. GHS students, representing their school with pride, joined peers from Trumbull High School, Wilbur Cross High School, and Staples High School in this high-stakes environment at the Old State House.

Which Schools Competed and How Did They Qualify?

Only schools victorious in regional qualifiers advanced to the state finals, ensuring a field of elite competitors. GHS emerged from its region as champions, travelling to Hartford alongside Trumbull High School, Wilbur Cross High School from New Haven, and Staples High School from Westport. No other schools received invitations, underscoring the exclusivity of the event.

The selection process emphasises preparation and performance, with regional wins serving as the gateway. Organisers confirmed that these four institutions—GHS, Trumbull, Wilbur Cross, and Staples—were the sole participants, each bringing teams honed through months of study and practice.

Where and When Did the Event Take Place?

The competition unfolded on Saturday, January 24, at Connecticut’s Old State House in Hartford, a venue steeped in American history as the site of the state’s 1818 constitution adoption. Teams conducted their simulated hearings there, transitioning later to Hartford Public Library for the awards.

This dual-location setup maximised engagement, blending historical resonance with community space. The precise date and venues were publicised well in advance, drawing educators, families, and civic leaders to witness the students’ presentations.

How Did the Simulated Congressional Hearings Work?

In the core activity, each school’s team presented testimony on constitutional themes, facing interrogation from judges role-playing as a congressional committee. This format tests not just knowledge but articulation, critical thinking, and responsiveness under pressure—skills vital for future citizens and leaders.

GHS students, like their counterparts from Trumbull High School, Wilbur Cross High School, and Staples High School, delivered prepared statements followed by Q&A. Judges evaluated depth of analysis, historical accuracy, and contemporary relevance, simulating authentic legislative discourse.

Who Was Involved in Judging and Presenting?

A panel of impartial judges, embodying a congressional committee, assessed all performances with expertise in law, history, and education. Their role ensured fair adjudication across GHS, Trumbull, Wilbur Cross, and Staples teams.

The awards ceremony at Hartford Public Library featured Professor Dr. Matthew Warshauer, author and faculty at Central Connecticut State University. Dr. Warshauer, known for his work on Connecticut history and civic engagement, addressed attendees, congratulating participants and emphasising the programme’s role in fostering informed patriotism.

Why Is the We The People Programme Significant for Connecticut Students?

This competition instils constitutional literacy, preparing youth for active civic roles amid national debates on rights and governance. For GHS students, the Hartford finals represented a pinnacle achievement, reflecting rigorous classroom efforts under teacher guidance.

Connecticut’s longstanding participation underscores the state’s commitment to civic education. Schools like Trumbull High School, Wilbur Cross High School, and Staples High School similarly benefit, gaining exposure and skills transferable to higher education or public service.

What Preparation Did GHS Students Undertake?

GHS teams underwent intensive training, dissecting constitutional texts, landmark cases, and modern issues. Advisors coached them on hearing protocols, public speaking, and rebuttals, culminating in regional victory and state readiness.

This preparation mirrors that of competitors from Trumbull, Wilbur Cross, and Staples, where students logged countless hours debating amendments, federalism, and individual liberties. The process builds resilience and expertise, as evidenced by their poised Hartford performances.

How Did the Event Honour Participants?

The awards ceremony at Hartford Public Library capped the day, with judges announcing top performers amid applause. Professor Dr. Matthew Warshauer’s address highlighted the students’ contributions, praising their eloquence and insight.

Recognition extended to all teams—GHS, Trumbull High School, Wilbur Cross High School, and Staples High School—affirming their regional triumphs. Certificates, trophies, and commendations marked the occasion, motivating future involvement.

What Role Did the Old State House Play?

Connecticut’s Old State House provided an evocative backdrop, its chambers evoking the very constitutional debates students analysed. Hosting hearings there immersed participants in history, enhancing the educational impact.

As a National Historic Landmark, the site connected GHS and other teams’ modern testimonies to foundational moments, like the 1776 resolution for independence. Organisers selected it deliberately for this synergy.

What Feedback Have Educators Given?

Teachers from participating schools lauded the event’s rigour, noting its boost to students’ confidence and knowledge. GHS faculty, in particular, celebrated their team’s representation, crediting the We The People curriculum.

Peers from Trumbull High School, Wilbur Cross High School, and Staples High School echoed this, viewing the finals as invaluable. Professor Dr. Warshauer’s presence added scholarly weight, inspiring attendees.

Were There Any Notable Challenges During the Competition?

Logistics ran smoothly, with teams navigating Hartford venues efficiently despite winter travel. No disruptions marred the hearings or awards, allowing focus on substantive discourse.

The competitive intensity challenged all—GHS, Trumbull, Wilbur Cross, and Staples—but fostered growth. Judges’ probing questions tested preparedness, yielding standout moments across schools.

What’s Next for the Winning Teams?

State finalists position themselves for national contention, should they place highly. GHS and rivals eye Washington, DC, hearings, where Connecticut’s best vie nationally.

Past participants have excelled federally, crediting state experience. Organisers encourage all teams to build on Hartford gains, sustaining momentum.

How Does This Fit into Broader Civic Education Efforts?

The We The People finals exemplify Connecticut’s civic push, aligning with state standards on government and law. GHS students’ involvement advances this, paralleling initiatives at Trumbull, Wilbur Cross, and Staples.

Dr. Warshauer’s keynote reinforced urgency, amid eroding civic knowledge surveys. Such events counter this, equipping youth for democracy.