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Community Corner

Rachel Carson Middle School Civics Students Take 3rd Place in National "We the People" Competition

Why has Herndon lawyer Doug Landau been making regular trips from his office in historic Herndon to Rachel Carson Middle School (RCMS) on McLearen Road?

Last fall, Landau responded to a request from the Fairfax Bar Association for a local attorney to assist RCMS Civics teacher Cynthia Burgett’s 8th grade students prepare for upcoming district and state championships in the We the People competition (http://civiced.org/national-invitational-2014-about).  His charge?  To help the students strengthen their knowledge of civics, the U.S. Constitution, and the intricate workings of government.  Landau, of the Herndon law firm Abrams Landau, Ltd., was pleased to give back to his community, particularly since all four of his (now grown) children were once students at RCMS.

Landau spent time with these bright, eager, and inquisitive students, helping them not only to enhance their knowledge of the subject matter, but also to practice things like speaking clearly, slowly, and with appropriate emphasis.  These are the same techniques Landau teaches his own clients and witnesses to help them prepare for their day in court.

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Landau’s time and energy was well-spent. Our local RCMS scholars were the winners in the Virginia State Championship and moved on to the National competition held April 5-6 on the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University.  Landau was there to join the students’ proud family, friends, and teachers as they finished in the top 3 teams in the nation!  From there the team advanced to the final round on Monday, April 7.  Our local Herndon team, which had never before even been the Virginia state champions in this competition, took the 3rd place prize – in the nation!  They received their bronze award at a closing ceremony at the Mason Inn that evening.  Their teacher, Ms. Burgett, was also recognized for her efforts.

Landau was there every step of the way. “These Rachel Carson Middle School students showed tremendous improvement during the months I worked with them. While other teams, coaches, and teachers may have more experience at the national level, the Carson kids were ready for the challenge. Their teacher, Ms. Burgett, did a remarkable job with these 28 students, instilling a deep understanding of our government, admiration of its foundational elements, and application to current issues. I hope to be asked to help again with future competitions.”

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To read more visit http://landauinjurylaw.com/index.php/2014/04/10/herndons-rachel-carson-middle-school-finishes-3rd-in-the-nation/

Doug Landau is the founder and principal of the law firm Abrams Landau, Ltd. located in historic Herndon.  The firm specializes in helping injured clients get the benefits they deserve in their state workers’ compensation claims, social security disability cases, personal injury, and third-party negligence claims.  Abrams Landau prides itself on its warm and caring approach.  For more about Landau visit www.landauinjurylaw.com.





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