The MCBA Wishes to Thank Our Constitution Week Sponsors:

Member FDIC

Bonefish Grill

 
Congressman Thomas J. Rooney
U.S. House of Representatives, FL- 16

YEAR 5! MCBA TO AGAIN ORGANIZE AND SPONSOR CONSTITUTION WEEK ACTIVITIES IN SEPTEMBER 2009
Alan Orantes Forst, Chair

As the chair of Constitution Week, I want to echo Scott Konopka’s remarks and again thank all of the people who participated in creating programs and making presentations this year. Five years ago, Congress passed a law requiring schools to have an annual Constitution Day program, and we decided that this was a perfect assignment for our local bar association, a way to share our knowledge and love of the Constitutional Rule of Law, as well as our dedication to this community and our youth. MCBA presidents Richard Levenstein, Portia Scott, Linda Weiksnar and Scott Konopka have all been supportive of this program and active participants and MCBA Director Michelle Katzman works tirelessly in organizing the schools, the speakers and the materials. As we have a number of lesson plans prepared and the schools, students, and lawyer volunteers are still enthusiastic, we should be “good to go” for many years to come.

This year, each student was given a pocket Constitution/Declaration of Independence, courtesy of our Congressman and fellow MCBA member Tom Rooney, as well as our Justice Teaching director, Judge Bill Roby. We must also thank Bonefish Grill for hosting the annual presenter reception (and serving up great appetizers), and Bank Atlantic, which served as a sponsor this year of our program.

This was the first year that we provided training to presenters and we were fortunate that Judge Kathy Roberts could discuss her “You’re not the Boss of Me” program for elementary school kids. Judge Bill Roby put together a PowerPoint presentation to be used in conjunction with the “Invaders” program for middle school students, and Donna Clayton, Michelle Katzman and Kevin Milligan worked with me in producing a multi-media high school presentation focusing on the Judiciary and the Constitution. I know that nearly every presenter added his or her own twist to the material, which is great. I love seeing the students expressing an interest in the presentations, though I equally like learning that the lawyer presenters have had an enjoyable time spent with the students.

I had the pleasure of making presentations at Martin County High School and working with their tremendous principal Joan Hunt and her very encouraging and dedicated faculty. Judge Jonathan Gerber from the Fourth DCA was my tag team partner for four of the presentations. We met with a reporter from the Stuart News after one presentation, along with the School’s Social Studies Chair, Susan Fogarty (mother of Assistant PD Andie Fleming). Mrs. Fogarty made a very nice comment which I regret the newspaper story didn’t include, because it really highlights a very important aspect of the MCBA Constitution Week program and, truth be told, my major motivation in organizing this effort five years ago. When asked what the school gets out of the program, Mrs. Fogarty pointed out that the students take note that judges and lawyers (and Commission Chairs!) are taking time out of their busy schedules in order to spend time at our county schools discussing the law, making the point that the students’ community cares about them.

More Americans can name Donald Duck’s nephews than can identify the three branches of government. So found a poll of ADULTS. Our Constitution Week program isn’t a cure-all for this collective ignorance. However, in conjunction with new laws requiring the teaching of civics and American Government, it is a start. Moreover, when lawyers and judges go into the schools and roll up their sleeves and converse with our youth, it provides a positive image and is a true indicator of whom we are and why we are participants in this nation’s legal system. There are some bad apples in our profession, even in this county. However, the majority of us are substantially invested in our community, providing funds and volunteer hours to charity, religious institutions and educational efforts. Our Constitution Week program reflects well on our profession in general and on the individuals who participated in making presentations to a very important audience, our kids. Thank you once again to Michelle, this year’s volunteer presenters and our school’s administrators, teachers and, most importantly, students. Cue Whitney Houston: “I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way . . .”

How Would You Score?
Constitutional Cash Cafeteria

During a break in the presentations on Constitution Day, Alan Forst and Judge Jonathan Gerber entered the Martin County High School cafeteria, accompanied by two student cameramen, courtesy of Jeff Younglove’s television production class. They surprised two tables of students, announcing that they were sitting at the CONSTITUTIONAL CASH CAFETERIA TABLE (not to be confused with Discovery’s Cash Cab television show). The following questions were asked. One table received three strikes before getting to the third level. The other table answered every question correctly, including the double or nothing bonus question and, as a result, the MCBA will be treating that table (about 7 kids) to a catered lunch later this month.

How well would you do? Three strikes and the game is over and no cash.

Four Easy (Each Question is worth $2)

1. In 1791, the first amendments to the Constitution were ratified by the States. This first batch of amendments is referred to as the Bill of Rights. How many amendments constitute the Bill of Rights?
2. The first three articles of the Constitution set out the power granted to the three branches of the Federal Government. Name these branches.
3. In 1971, the Constitution was amended to lower the voting age. What is the new voting age?
4. Who was the President of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

Four Moderate (Each Question is worth $4)

1. Washington, D.C. is the third city to serve as capitol of the United States since the ratification of the Constitution. Name the first two.
2. The first amendment protects a number of freedoms—name three of them.
3. Who is the current Chief Justice of the United States?
4. How many Justices sit on the U.S. Supreme Court?

Two Hard (Each Question is worth $6)

1. The 8th Amendment prohibits Blank and Blank punishment. Fill in the blanks.
2. How old do you have to be to become President of the United States?

Double or Nothing Bonus: Name four Supreme Court Justices, past or present, who have sat on the Supreme Court at some point during the past 30 years.

Thank You to Our 2009 Constitution Week Presenters!

"2009 Constitution Week Presenters."

"2008 Constitution Week Presenters."