Marian University’s Penny and Jock Fortune Institute for Civic Leadership and Capitalism proudly sponsored the Indiana Bar Foundation’s We the People high school civics competitions this fall, supporting both the Indianapolis Regional Competition (8 classes and approximately 200 students) on October 31 at IU Indianapolis and the Indiana State Finals (14 classes with approximately 350 students) on December 10 at the Crowne Plaza Union Station in downtown Indianapolis. 

At both events, the Fortune Institute facilitated interactive civic engagement with its free online U.S. Citizenship Practice Test. During scheduled downtime between competition rounds, students completed randomly generated naturalization-exam questions in exchange for small candy rewards, turning moments of waiting into quick, engaging civic review.

The sponsorship reflects the Fortune Institute’s commitment to strengthening civic knowledge and forming principled leaders equipped to sustain democratic institutions and human dignity within a free society. By meeting students where they are, through hands-on learning and accessible digital tools, the Institute reinforces Marian University’s long-standing mission to educate citizens prepared to serve the common good.

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is a nationally recognized civic education program that helps high school students develop a deep understanding of the U.S. Constitution, democratic principles, and the responsibilities of citizenship through rigorous study and simulated congressional hearings. Indiana’s competitions bring together top student teams from across the state to demonstrate their knowledge before panels of judges, including legal professionals, educators, and civic leaders.

Congratulations to Hamilton Southeastern High School, who earned the state championship, and runner-up Plainfield High School. Both teams will represent Indiana at the We the People National Finals in Bethesda, MD, in April 2026.