On February 1st, Amador Valley’s “We the People” Civics Team will compete in Sacramento for the state competition. For now, they meticulously prepare with long practices and frequent meet-ups.
“My unit meets every single day for 4 to 5 hours. Sometimes we stay at Starbucks until 9 pm preparing our written statement.” said Unit 4 member Harjaap Singh (‘25).
Higher Stakes
After winning regionals, the team’s motivation has only grown. The state competition is higher stakes, since losing means the competition civics season is over and the team cannot continue to nationals.
“I would say the hours each team puts in each week increases by a factor of 5. We practice more frequently with more intensity, and we reach out to alumni more often,” said Comp Civics team coach Stacey Sklar.
As the day approaches, Sklar is dedicated to working directly with each unit to improve in specific areas. Using a variety of approaches, the team’s units are strengthening their presentations and refining their weaknesses.
“We video tape the units and have them watch themselves. Other times, I have brought individuals who have expertise in public speaking to work with particular units,” said Sklar.
Student Preparations
Combined with Sklar’s expertise coaching, team members work independently to fit as much practice time as possible. Units spend time collaborating to be as cohesive as possible and ready.
“My unit has worked very closely with each other. We tend to call almost every night to work with other alumni to make sure we are prepared for whatever the judges throw our way,” said Unit 6 member Rebecca Mestel (‘25).
Not only do units work within themselves, but inter-unit connection and collaboration is equally as important. Aside from providing feedback during practices in class, units work together with their “sister units”- units who have overlapping themes.
“Another way my unit works to prepare for competition is working with other units. Unit one is our sister unit so we often work at the library to quiz each other on certain topics because ultimately philosophy is very intertwined with current events,” said Mestel.
