MLWGS at We the People National Competition, April 17-19

Medals

The We the People: The Citizen and Constitution Competition, sponsored by the Center for Civic Education, is a national academic competition that allows students to display the civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively participate in our constitutional democratic republic through simulated congressional hearings. Students testify as constitutional experts before panels of judges acting as congressional committees, scoring the groups through a performance-based assessment. Each class is divided into six groups based on the six units of the We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution high school textbook.

  • The 2026 National Finals will unfold April 17-19, in and around Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital and a vibrant cultural city. The hearings and other celebrations take place in Bethesda, Maryland.
    While in Washington, D.C., students will explore our nation’s capital, learn about government beyond the classroom walls, and meet with elected officials, community leaders, and other dignitaries. 

MLWGS last won the We the People national title in 2023, bringing its total to five national titles over 28 appearances in the competition’s 35-plus-year history. The team has consistently ranked among the national top 10 in most other years.

To the 2026 team: you have prepared for this challenge all year, and we believe you are ready. Go out there and show everyone what you know!

Team Sponsor and Teacher: Mr. Sam Ulmschneider

2026 Team Members:

Isabella Arcaro-Colonial HeightsAlena Atkinson-HanoverDiego Burgos-Feliciano-Chesterfield
Vera Chunnanond-HanoverHelena Damer-RichmondLillian Davies – Richmond
Henry Erda-Charles CityAddyson Hoover-HanoverMargaret Josefiak-Henrico
Josephine Kronenberg-HanoverDeepanshi Kumar-HenricoEmma Lindsey-Goochland
Hadley McHugh-ChesterfieldJacob Nelson-ChesterfieldRaunak Kaur Rajani – Henrico
Thomas Short-RichmondViva Sitani-HenricoAudrey Tang-Chesterfield
Rewa Totey-HenricoJacob Williamson – Chesterfield

Executive Director’s Snapshot

View updates by Kristin Janssen for this academic year.

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