A project from Texas County was praised during Wednesday’s annual State of the Judiciary address to a joint session of the House and Senate.
Among the highlights from Missouri Chief Justice Richard Teitelman’s address was recognition for the Constitution Project, a second-year program under the direction of Associate Circuit Judge Doug Gaston. The project allows students to play the roles of police officers, crime scene investigators, journalists, attorneys, jury members and more as part of a mock criminal case.
Gaston was part of a contingent of Houston citizens who were honored with a round of applause from House and Senate members. Also on the trip were Houston High School students Brittany Scott, Nathan Poynter and Dusti Turner, HHS principal Charlie Malam and Houston Police Chief Jim McNiell and Sergeant Tim Ceplina.
“These leaders, and so many more like them in Missouri, embody Dr. Martin Luther King’s belief, drawn from the words of the prophet Amos, that we should not be satisfied until ‘justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream,’” Teitelman said. “And with students like those in Texas County embracing the ideals of justice laid out in our constitution, Missouri will be in good hands in the years to come.”
The Constitution Project, which began in Houston and this year branched out to include other Texas County Schools, will eventually become a statewide competition. Gaston has formed partnerships with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri Press Association, the Missouri Broadcasters Association and The Missouri Bar.
Here are Missouri Chief Justice Richard Teitelman’s words in his State of the Judiciary address:
“One example of a local community coming together to get young people excited about these important issues is Houston, Texas – Missouri, that is. Former legislator and now Associate Circuit Judge Doug Gaston has engaged local leaders and high school students together in a ‘Constitution Project.’
“Much like we all have to work together, he has worked with the local police department, sheriff’s office, newspapers, radio stations, lawyers, and, of course, school administrators and teachers to provide legal experience.
“During this Constitution Project, students from four Texas County high schools spent part of their fall semester participating in a mock criminal case. Some students investigated the crime scene and analyzed the evidence, others reported in the local newspaper and radio stations about the progress of the investigation and case, and the rest served as prosecution and defense attorneys. The project helped them see first-hand how so many facets of our constitutional system of government work together.
“Winners were chosen at the school and county level and awarded scholarships. Along with Judge Gaston and some of the local leaders who made the constitution project possible, we have several of the winners here with us today: county winners Brittany Scott and Nathan Poynter, both of Houston High School; and Houston High School winner Dusti Turner. Let’s recognize them for their wonderful efforts.
“This Constitution Project has been such a success that the members of the Supreme Court Committee on Civic Education – in partnership with the Missouri Highway Patrol, the Missouri Press Association, the Missouri Broadcasters Association and The Missouri Bar – hope to bring it to other local communities, eventually having a statewide competition.”