Tight Finish, Program Growth Mark This Year’s We the People Competition

Centennial High School captured first place at today’s We the People competition at Golden Valley High School, just edging out defending champs Arvin High School in a tight overall finish that highlighted an impressive field of contenders. The event marked more than just the announcement of winners — it also brought a change in leadership and welcomed a new school to the countywide program. Sheri Dees, Regional Coordinator for the 20th and 22nd Congressional Districts, is in her first year leading Bakersfield’s We the People program, a competition that challenges students to engage with U.S. government and civic learning in a hands-on way.

“I stepped into a well-established arena with many experienced coaches and judges who were former contestants themselves,” she said. “Bakersfield has a deep legacy in this competition, with many teams advancing to state and nationals.”

After more than two decades as a history teacher at Tehachapi Unified School District, Dees is thrilled to continue shaping young minds in a new capacity, supporting students and coaches in the program. Dees explained that one of her main goals is to grow the program throughout the county, with a particular outreach to rural areas — such as Eastern Kern.

Many of the program’s coaches are alumni themselves, bringing both experience and personal insight to the students they mentor. One of those coaches is Brooke Richter of Liberty High School, who competed in the program a decade ago herself. 

“I was doing this program ten years ago, so I vividly remember and know exactly what they [students] are balancing — ASB, sports, and senior-year college applications,” Richter said. “I think it gives me a little street cred to know that I have also done this and understand how humiliating it can feel when you don’t know an answer.”

Although many schools regularly participate in the competition, a few schools are returning after a hiatus of several years. One of those schools is South High. 

Andrea Guevara, a teacher and coach at South High, made it her mission to revive the We the People program when she was hired two years ago. Like Richter, Guevara participated in the program as a high school student and credits the experience with transforming her life. “It’s important for students to have academic programs that allow them to explore and research topics outside of the traditional classroom setting,” said Guevara. “We the People gives students that opportunity, and it helped me develop my own critical thinking and communication skills.”

Students also feel the impact of the program. 

“It has completely transformed my understanding of the United States and politics,” said Robert Clegg, a senior at Liberty High School. “The baseline education it has given me has allowed me to see the world in a more comprehensive way, and I am grateful I had this opportunity.”

OVERALL RESULTS

1st Place — Centennial
2nd Place — Arvin
3rd Place — Liberty
4th Place — Golden Valley

20th Congressional District Results

Unit 1
1st Place — Centennial
2nd Place — Independence
3rd Place — Liberty

Unit 2
1st Place — Centennial
2nd Place — Independence
3rd Place — Liberty

Unit 3
1st Place — Centennial
2nd Place — Liberty
3rd Place — Independence

Unit 4
1st Place — Centennial
2nd Place — Liberty
3rd Place — Independence

Unit 5
1st Place — Centennial
2nd Place — Liberty
3rd Place — Independence

Unit 6
1st Place — Centennial
2nd Place — Liberty
3rd Place — Independence

22nd Congressional District Results

Unit 1
1st Place — Arvin
2nd Place — East
3rd Place — West

Unit 2
1st Place — Arvin
2nd Place — Golden Valley
3rd Place — West

Unit 3
1st Place — Arvin
2nd Place — East
3rd Place — Golden Valley

Unit 4
1st Place — Arvin
2nd Place — West
3rd Place — Golden Valley

Unit 5
1st Place — Arvin
2nd Place — East
3rd Place — West

Unit 6
1st Place — Arvin
2nd Place — West
3rd Place — Golden Valley