By Kylian Galtier / Staff Writer

Missouri Valley College hosted Constitution Alley on Sept. 17. The event was organized by students in Mrs. Tiffany Bergman’s class in the Ferguson Center. Sept. 17 is recognized by the U.S. government as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day in remembrance of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 1787. Each year, the MVC Historical Society and the American Constitutional History class commemorate the day by presenting Constitution Alley.

“The mission of Constitution Alley is to engage students in thinking about and considering questions that have constitutional implications,” Bergman said. “It is also an opportunity to commemorate and educate our friends about the U.S. Constitution and why it is still the foundation of the American government.”

For students, the event provides a chance to learn more about the Constitution while having fun. It is organized by students for students, making it less formal and allowing participants to discuss the topic in a more relaxed setting than in a traditional classroom.

“Constitution Alley is a fun way to participate and think about the Constitution and citizenship by answering questions created by students,” Bergman said. “These questions can be thought-provoking, fun and even sometimes silly. This is a fun opportunity to learn about the Constitution and voice opinions.”

Although the event takes place in a lighthearted atmosphere, the U.S. Constitution remains a serious topic that sparks meaningful discussion.

“I think the conversations we had about the Constitution were interesting because we got to understand how people feel about the Constitution and its issues,” said student organizer Sydnee Wharton.

“I think the discourse we had about our Constitution was very interesting,” said student organizer Trenton Farnham. “I think more talks like this would help people better understand why the Constitution is so important to American society.”

For the students who organized the event, it was an opportunity to develop new skills and collaborate on a shared project.

“The students who organized the event were challenged to consider ideas and issues that would be engaging for their peers,” Bergman said. “The biggest challenge was actually narrowing their questions to just 10 or 11 and framing them in a manner that was not yes-or-no responses, allowing them to really get people to consider and think about the questions.”

Bergman said it was also important for all students—American and international—to participate.

“The U.S. Constitution is important to Americans because it is the basis of all government policy that impacts their lives,” she said. “It is important to noncitizens because it gives individuals the opportunity to understand the ideas and policies that impact the communities where they currently reside.”

This year, 168 students participated in Constitution Alley. Twenty lucky students won a pocket Constitution and candy. Both the organizers and participants did an excellent job.

“I was so incredibly pleased and impressed with this year’s questions and responses,” Bergman said.