Approximately 350 Tyler ISD eighth grade and high school students stepped outside the classroom and into the world of law, government, and civic leadership during a Constitution Day event at The University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler).
The annual event hosted by the Smith County Bar Foundation, presented in partnership with Tyler ISD, UT Tyler, Tyler Junior College and Texas College, gave students an opportunity to explore the U.S. Constitution and legal system while discovering how those subjects connect to college, careers, and their roles as future community leaders.
“Constitution Day is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of leaders by helping students better understand the rights, responsibilities, and freedoms protected by our Constitution,” said Leigh Hunt Goodson, JD, LLM. “The Smith County Bar Foundation is proud to partner with our local schools, colleges, and universities to bring meaningful civic education experiences to students throughout Smith County.”
Featured speaker Carl Smallwood, Director of the Divided Community Project at The Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law, engaged students in a dynamic discussion of legal topics, challenging them to think critically about constitutional principles and how the law affects their everyday lives.
“Today’s students will shape tomorrow’s communities,” Smallwood said. “I hope to inspire them to understand and value constitutional principles, to navigate differences, and to build trust to participate actively as members in their schools and communities.”
Among the students participating were members of Tyler ISD’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, which prepares students for success in college, careers, and life by developing skills in areas such as critical thinking, organization, collaboration, inquiry, and academic confidence.
“Constitution Day is a bedrock of our community to promote civics education, legal profession and the critical importance of our constitutional republic rooted in our founding document,” said Dr. Bobby Markle, Executive Director of 1882 Partnerships at the University of Texas at Tyler. “We appreciate the partnership with UT Tyler and Smith County Bar Foundation for welcoming over 350 Tyler ISD students to this event!”
Through partnerships with organizations like the Smith County Bar Foundation and local higher education institutions, Tyler ISD continues to expand learning beyond the classroom and introduce students to the people, places, and professions shaping their community. Experiences like Constitution Day give students an opportunity to explore new possibilities, ask meaningful questions, and discover pathways they may one day pursue.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.