Danielle Lyon ‘26
Jude Magnotti ‘26
EE Editor-In-Chief & EE Managing Editor
(J.M.) Since its inception in 1636 and entrance into the Union in 1788, Connecticut has long been renowned as the Constitution State. Despite this prestigious title, many residents of CT are unsure why our seemingly tucked-away state is deserving of it as opposed to more historical states like Pennsylvania. The practical explanation for this is that it was the first state to adopt a written constitution with the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut in 1639.
However, the real reason goes beyond that. The reason is that for over 250 years of existence, Connecticut has served as one of the most enlightened, polished, and informed states on constitutional knowledge and civics. A bastion of the Constitution tucked into a tiny spot on the East Coast. In no way is this trend represented more prominently than through our We the People Teams. Specifically, our very own BICEN squad here at Trumbull High School.
If you’ve read my previous articles, you know that We The People/BICEN is a civics competition for High Schools across the nation, focused on the citizen and the constitution. At THS, our We The People has a distinguished history of Bicentennial excellence with 30 state championships and numerous top ten appearances. This year, that lineage was only continued by members of BICEN 2026 when they achieved victory in the Connecticut State Championship over Staples, Greenwich, and Wilbur Cross. Along with this historic achievement, BICEN was granted the extraordinary opportunity to go to the heart of the nation in Washington, D.C., to compete in the NATIONAL championship. As you will see, they did not disappoint, and we have my fellow Eagle Eye editor and BICEN teammate Danielle here to show you how it all went down.
(D.L.) Over spring break, Trumbull High School’s We the People team traveled to Washington, D.C. for nationals and came home with an 8th-place finish in the country, bringing Trumbull back into the top ten for the first time since 2023.
After a five-hour Amtrak ride, the team’s journey began by meeting with Senator Chris Murphy and a member of his staff, who spoke with students about government and answered their questions on topics like constitutional powers and the Electoral College. The day was followed by a tour of the nation’s capitol, along with a shuttle ride from the Senate to the House!
The next day, they met with Representative Jim Himes, who graciously gave up his time even though he had been working on a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act bill until 2:00 a.m. the night before. He gave the team real-world insight into how the issues they study are actively debated and shaped in Congress, something they later used during follow-up questioning in competition.
After their Home meeting, the students got back to their hotel in Bethesda, Maryland, and the competition began. The team competed through a demanding set of rounds, working to qualify for finals and pushing through some of the toughest questions they faced all season. Their effort paid off when they advanced into the top ten teams in the nation. From there, they competed once more in front of the competition’s hardest judges, ultimately earning an 8th-place finish nationally.
Meanwhile, in between competition days, the team also got to explore Washington, D.C. and enjoy some unforgettable experiences together. With their lovely tour guide Bob, they visited major memorials including the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Marine Corps War Memorial. The team was also supported throughout the trip by Señora Macfarlane and John Macfarlane, along with their bus driver Ms. Pringle, who helped make the whole experience run smoothly from start to finish.
(J.M.) For both students and chaperones alike, Washington D.C. was an incredible experience, and our BICEN team’s performance only further cemented the importance of We the People both as a competition and as an education for the future.
In addition to Trumbull, Connecticut was also represented by Staples High School from Westport as a wildcard at Nationals. While a playful rivalry is often maintained between Trumbull and Staples, they too were able to represent Connecticut reputably, placing in the 20’s and winning best Unit 4 in their division.
Not only is Connecticut privileged to have teams so well versed in their subjects, but the active rivalry between them motivates each side to perform better and keeps the spirit of friendly competition alive.
Still, here at Trumbull, we know that the Eagles will always come out on top! Because for us, it’s more than a competition. It’s more than a performance, or a discussion, or a debate. It is a sacred experience fundamental to the development of mind and soul, while simultaneously creating informed citizens who grow up to vote, to inspire, and to lead.
We the People is not just a filled space on a college resume. It is one of the many puzzle pieces to creating an informed and educated citizenry. While BICEN 2026 may be over, future BICEN teams’ journeys are just beginning, and as they embark on a path of grueling hours and endless research to ultimate victory, they will show everyone once again just why we are called The Constitution State…