MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
Q8282013 (573) 526-6115

August 28, 2013
EMPHASIS: Patrol Invites Media To Share "Constitution Project" PSA

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, invites members of the media to share a public service announcement about the Constitution Project. The PSA introduces a competition for high school students that has taken place in Texas County for the past two years. This year, the project will include several schools from throughout the state. Please follow this link to the Patrol's home page, then scroll down until you see the PSA:

http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/Root/index.html

The Constitution Project Web page explains how interested students and faculty can bring the project to their school. This Web site can be found at:

http://www.courts.mo.gov/constitutionproject/

The Constitution Project is a statewide competition for high school students, in which students are given hands-on experience toward possible careers integral to our Constitution and our country. The 2013 Constitution Project will kickoff on Constitution Day, September 17, 2013. Professionals in the fields of journalism, law enforcement, and trial advocacy will mentor participating Missouri students in coordination with their schools.

"It's an honor to be part of the Constitution Project," said Col. Replogle. "Members of the Patrol look forward to forging relationships with the students and other professionals taking part in this worthwhile project."

The Constitution Project places students in charge of investigating and reporting a mock crime in their town, following it from the initial crime scene through the ultimate prosecution of the crime in a mock trial. Through the process, students not only learn the functions of various professions and the importance of those professions in their community, but also how provisions of the United States Constitution factor into these professions and their own lives. Topics covered in the project correspond with curriculum in Missouri schools.

The Constitution Project is the result of Associate Circuit Judge Doug Gaston of Texas County's desire to engage and teach local high school students about careers in law enforcement, the court system, and journalism. Through this project, Judge Gaston hopes students gain an increased understanding of and love for our Constitution.

Media outlets are asked to please share the public service announcement, which features Supreme Court of Missouri Chief Justice Mary Russell, KOMU News Anchor Megan Murphy, Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Steve Danner, and Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Ron Replogle. Co-sponsors of the project include the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Sheriff’s Association, Missouri Police Chiefs Association, Missouri Press Association, Missouri Broadcasters Association, and The Missouri Bar Association.

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