ARVIN, CA - After coming in second in the state We the People competition, Arvin High School won a wildcard to represent California in the national competition.
With the highest unemployment rate in Kern County and a large population of people who speak english as a second language, students say the odds of Arvin making it to the finals were against them. Arvin high school students will not only have the chance to represent California in the national We the People competition, but also see the sights in Washington, D.C.
Students say they're ready to represent the state at the national competition. Jessica Esquivel said, "I'm really excited to go and show them what we've been working for this whole time."
They've overcome many obstacles to get there. For many of the students, it's about more than the competition.
Malcolm Rivera said, "When we first came in we had trouble speaking and a lot of other teams just expected, 'oh it's Arvin. It's just full of poor, disadvantaged students. They can't do anything.' But the fact that we proved to the rest of our competitors and to the rest of the nation that we can, I think that's really amazing."
Lisset Zavala said, "It means a lot to me, considering that this is the first year. After so many years of Arvin High attempting to go to the national competition and finally setting the precedent to actually, for the students to see that it is possible."
Their coach teacher Robert Ruckman says he's proud of their accomplishments.
"To see all their hard work pay off and get this reward is extremely gratifying," said Ruckman.
Now, the team is feeling good about their odds.
"I see my classmates, I see how much they've progressed, and you know what they're capable of. So, I believe we can actually make it to the final rounds at least and possible even represent California in a positive way to win first place," said Zavala.
The competition is April 27th and 28th at George Mason University, outside of Washington.
The team has almost reached its fundraising goal of $90,000. They'll be having a barbecue Friday at 5 pm at Arvin High School, benefiting the team.
With the highest unemployment rate in Kern County and a large population of people who speak english as a second language, students say the odds of Arvin making it to the finals were against them. Arvin high school students will not only have the chance to represent California in the national We the People competition, but also see the sights in Washington, D.C.
Students say they're ready to represent the state at the national competition. Jessica Esquivel said, "I'm really excited to go and show them what we've been working for this whole time."
They've overcome many obstacles to get there. For many of the students, it's about more than the competition.
Malcolm Rivera said, "When we first came in we had trouble speaking and a lot of other teams just expected, 'oh it's Arvin. It's just full of poor, disadvantaged students. They can't do anything.' But the fact that we proved to the rest of our competitors and to the rest of the nation that we can, I think that's really amazing."
Lisset Zavala said, "It means a lot to me, considering that this is the first year. After so many years of Arvin High attempting to go to the national competition and finally setting the precedent to actually, for the students to see that it is possible."
Their coach teacher Robert Ruckman says he's proud of their accomplishments.
"To see all their hard work pay off and get this reward is extremely gratifying," said Ruckman.
Now, the team is feeling good about their odds.
"I see my classmates, I see how much they've progressed, and you know what they're capable of. So, I believe we can actually make it to the final rounds at least and possible even represent California in a positive way to win first place," said Zavala.
The competition is April 27th and 28th at George Mason University, outside of Washington.
The team has almost reached its fundraising goal of $90,000. They'll be having a barbecue Friday at 5 pm at Arvin High School, benefiting the team.