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RELEASED: July 8, 2004
DANVILLE, KY—The Governor's Scholars at Centre had an eventful, patriotic and thought-provoking Fourth of July.
The day began as GSP faculty and staff members took turns reading the Declaration of Independence and Constitution to the Scholars. The Scholars then read "Let America be America Again," a poem by Langston Hughes.
GSP students Emily Bauer and Parker Hobson were impressed that several of the faculty members and staffers were not born in the United States, but were enthusiastic about taking part in the readings.
After the reading the Scholars had a debate on the Patriot Act (a law passed in 2001 to deter terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to strengthen law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes).
"It made us more aware of the Patriot Act and what is and isn't permissible under this law," says Scholar Lauren Villaneuva.
The Governor's Scholars Band and Scholars Choir performed patriotic songs, and the students took part in a parade and had a picnic. Bauer says the band and choir started working on their songs as soon as they arrived on campus.
The day was capped with a fireworks display.
"It went really well," says Patrick Noltemeyer, director of scholars. "The debate and the other activities added an academic flavor to the day. It was a nice opportunity for the Scholars to see the significance of the day aside from fireworks and barbecue."
Scholar Sam Schaffer agreed.
"That's one of the great things about GSP," he says. "The events such as the ones that took place on the Fourth of July are a great time for us to get together and see what others think and believe in."
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Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top-50 national liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/
For news archives go to http://www.centre.edu/web/news/newsarchive.html.
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