Kristin Murphy’s ‘We the People’ Nova Middle School team aims for third national title
The journey to nationals in Washington, D.C., in early April is not without its challenges. As a Title I school, funding is a constant concern
Two-time national champions Nova Middle School in Broward County will be defending it’s “We the People” competition title in April in Washington, D.C. The program culminates in simulated congressional hearings, where students testify before a panel of judges acting as members of Congress. It’s a chance for them to demonstrate their constitutional knowledge and articulate well-reasoned arguments on complex issues.
Kristin Murphy, a Plantation attorney turned middle school teacher, has dedicated her life to teaching young minds the principles of constitutional democracy. At Nova Middle School, she is not just educating students about civics, but guiding them toward a profound understanding of the U.S. Constitution through the “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” program — a national civics competition that engages students in simulated congressional hearings.
Murphy, who co-coaches the school’s team, describes “We the People” as more than just a competition; it is an educational experience that helps students think critically and deeply about their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
Kristin Murphy: “As two-time national champs at the middle school level, people around us often chant, ‘THREE-PEAT’ when we walk by.”
“The We the People program is incredibly important to me because it instills a deep understanding of our Constitution. It teaches students not just what to think, but how to think,” Murphy said. “My students have truly embraced the program, often carrying around their pocket Constitutions and actively following current events.”
She says the class group chat is constantly “buzzing with news articles, discussions, and debates about constitutional issues,” adding the students even take the initiative to schedule their own Zoom meetings several times a week to prepare their competition arguments.
The program culminates in simulated congressional hearings, where students testify before a panel of judges acting as members of Congress. It’s a chance for them to demonstrate their constitutional knowledge and articulate well-reasoned arguments on complex issues. At Nova Middle School, the stakes are high, as their team has a long track record of success, including being two-time national champions in the middle school division.
However, the journey to nationals in Washington, D.C., in April is not without its challenges. As a Title I school, funding is a constant concern, Murphy said.
“It costs $2,000 per student to attend nationals, and with 44 students going, we need significant financial help. We also need to cover the cost of the required chaperones,” Murphy explains, noting that alongside the middle school team, she will also be taking a team from Nova High School to the national competition. Several students on the high school team previously competed in middle school.
To meet this challenge, she has spearheaded a variety of fundraising efforts to help cover the costs, including selling chocolate, candy grams, and popcorn. In addition, her nonprofit, Raising the Bar – The Next Generation (RTB), works to support Title I law programs and has contributed funds toward the students’ trip. Yet, as Murphy points out, “additional funds are still needed.”
Nova’s “We the People” team at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.
Murphy is also calling on the legal community for support. She invites attorneys, especially those with constitutional expertise, to participate as guest judges in their preparation Zoom sessions to help students prepare for the tough questioning they’ll face at nationals.
“Any support — whether financial or time — makes a direct impact on these incredible students,” she said.
In addition to her work with the students, Murphy has found a way to make her family a part of the process. Her husband and co-coach, Will Murphy, a fellow member of the Bar, has volunteered his time for years to work with the students.
“He’s incredibly passionate about the Constitution, our students love learning from him, and I love working with him,” Murphy said. “I couldn’t do this without him.”
As they prepare for the upcoming nationals, the team is more determined than ever to achieve their third consecutive national championship.
“As two-time national champs at the middle school level, people around us often chant, ‘THREE-PEAT’ when we walk by,” Murphy said. “The pressure is on!”
Donations to RTB can be made through the Raising the Bar – the Next Generation website or mailed to 6660 SW 20 Street, Plantation, FL 33317. Learn more about Murphy’s efforts at www.mrsmurphyslaw.org/.
