Decorah Student Named Finalist in Urgent State Constitution Contest

BREAKING: Decorah High School junior Jayden Lundtvedt has been named a finalist in the Iowa State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division “Know Your Constitution” Project. This prestigious recognition comes as part of an initiative aimed at deepening students’ understanding of the U.S. Constitution.

The finalists will be celebrated at an awards luncheon in Des Moines on January 23, 2024. Out of over 600 students across Iowa who participated, only 106 finalists have been selected, highlighting the exceptional quality of their work. From this elite group, five students will be chosen through a random drawing to receive scholarship grants, underscoring the project’s commitment to educational enrichment.

The “Know Your Constitution” Project challenges students to engage with Constitution-related issues. Each participant completed a quiz paired with an essay question, this year focusing on the 6th Amendment guarantee of legal counsel. This prompt was modeled after a recent case heard by the Iowa Supreme Court and referenced the pivotal U.S. Supreme Court decision, Gideon v. Wainwright.

“Best Essay” finalists will be showcased on the ISBA website, with the overall winner announced during the awards program. This project, funded by the Iowa State Bar Foundation, aims to enrich students’ appreciation for the Constitution while preparing them for active citizenship.

As the event approaches, the community is buzzing with excitement for Jayden and the other finalists. This recognition not only honors their hard work but also emphasizes the importance of understanding constitutional rights in today’s society.

Stay tuned for updates as the awards ceremony draws near, and be sure to share this inspiring story of young civic engagement!