Laie Elementary School is showing Hawaii that it’s tough to be smarter than a 5th grader.

The school is the only Hawaii elementary school to have its students showcase their skills in the state’s We the People competition — a national contest designated for high schoolers. After devoting a quarter to We the People coursework, the school’s students earlier this school year presented their studies — including memorized essays — to Honolulu’s Circuit Court, awing judges with their expertise in the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and other pillars of American democracy.

And this wasn’t the first time that the school has made a name of itself alongside high schools.  Laie’s 5th graders have participated in the competition for three years. 

From the release:

Going where no other 9- and 10-year-olds in the Islands have gone – facing a firing line of follow-up questions from a panel of judges that included Hawaii leaders in law, civics and education – requires guts, commitment and sacrifice. 

For weeks in advance, pupils went through their version of constitutional boot camp. They willingly missed sports practices and games, worked on their presentations three days a week and practiced in their classrooms. They spent three more class periods perfecting every detail. Then they went to the cafeteria, where they rehearsed make-believe showcase situations. They researched and tweaked their responses to dozens of questions, readying to go head-to-head with the judges. They memorized and vocalized. They became young experts in what it means to be an American citizen. 

“We the People helped us understand that the people are the main source of our government. We must support and defend our country by learning about the Constitution,” showcase student Katelyn Kunz said. …

“They were impressive, prepared and knowledgeable,” said Lea Albert, Castle-Kahuku Complex Area Superintendent and showcase judge. “Some did just as well as the high school students.” 

Other judges were Linden Joesting, staff attorney at the Office of Information Practices, and Lyla Berg, former legislator and founder of Kids Voting Hawaii.

Already winners, the students receive a plaque for participating. More importantly, they “win” a lifetime of citizenship readiness and understanding of our government, its principles, and their rights and duties as privileged American citizens.

 The first page of the U.S. Constitution. (Photo courtesy of hyku.)

— Alia Wong