The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

VWHS runner-up at state competition

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

COLUMBUS — The AP Government class at Van Wert High School earned an impressive second-place finish in the state “We the People” competition on Friday, finishing as runner-up to perennial champion Findlay High School in contest, which is held at the Statehouse in Columbus.

Three of 10 Van Wert High School AP Government students rehearse for the "We the People" competition in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. (VW independent file photo)
Three of 10 Van Wert High School AP Government students rehearse for the “We the People” competition in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. (VW independent file photo)

Bob Priest, teacher of the AP Government class, was ecstatic about his students’ high placement.

“This was the highest scoring team I have ever had in my 10 years of competing,” Priest said, noting that, because of the small class size this year, 8 of the 10 students had to prepare two units for the competition, rather than the one unit most other schools’ students were responsible for.

VWHS scored 1,835 points, out of a possible 2,160, while Findlay had 1,934 points. The score was closer than it appeared, with Findlay averaging 8.95 points out of 10 on each scoring opportunity, while VWHS averaged 8.65 points.

The contest is conducted in the form of a legislative committee hearing, with students taking the part of experts called in to testify on selected topics. The local AP Government students held a practice last month in the Van Wert County Common Pleas Courtroom in front of judges that included State Senator Cliff Hite (R-1st District) and State Representative Tony Burkley (R-82nd District).

Priest had nothing but praise for his AP Government students during the competition.

“These students were so impressive today,” he noted. “The amount of evidence they produced would have impressed most collegiate scholars, and these are high school seniors!

“I was so very pleased with their performance, and, although many do not get the opportunity to hear them, they made our community proud,” Priest added, noting that VWHS is a highly respected school around Ohio when it comes to civic education.

The VWHS AP Government teacher also had praise for Findlay’s students.

“My hat goes off to Findlay, because as impressed as I was with our kids, Findlay was that much better,” Priest said. “I am confident they will represent Ohio well at the national competition.”

POSTED: 01/24/15 at 8:39 am. FILED UNDER: News