Advisor Brooke Richter spoke about the benefits of participating in We the People as a senior in high school. “I know from experience, as a coach and a former contestant, how much work this program takes and what a great impact it can have on a student’s life as they become active citizens,” she said. “I’m proud of the team and grateful that we had the opportunity to attend the state competition.”
There were six units on the Liberty team, which researched and wrote speeches about specific questions about the Constitution. Some students participated in two of the units. The students in Unit 1 were Captain Aydan Starman and team members Hunter Chafin, Sarah Chang, and Gavin Seals. Unit 2 students were Captain Michael Kyei, Joshua Hart-Baugh, Brandon Reyes, and Raphael Guimte. Unit 3 students were Captain Elijah Lidgett, Manuel Tu, Aydan Starman and Abraham Lopez. Unit 4 students were Captain Sarah Chang, Hunter Chaffin, and Andee Jacobson. Unit 5 students were Captain Gavin Seals, Abraham Lopez, and Michael Kyei. Unit 5 was selected by the judges in Sacramento as being the best unit from Liberty High School. Unit 6 students were Captain Raphael Guimte, Andee Jacobson and Elijah Lidgett.
Many of these seniors have received early college admissions, scholarships, and appointments to universities across the country. Notably, Raphael Guimte will be attending Boston College on a full ride scholarship.
Two other Kern High School District schools, Centennial and Arvin, placed third and fourth respectively.