The Staples High School We The People team has officially qualified for the national competition after a stellar performance at the Connecticut State Finals held on January 24, 2026, at the Old State House in Hartford. Competing against top schools from across the state, the Staples team placed second overall, demonstrating an exceptional mastery of constitutional law and democratic principles. Due to their high cumulative score and impressive showing, the team was awarded a prestigious "wild card" spot, granting them entry into the 39th annual We The People National Finals.

Under the guidance of Social Studies teacher Suzanne Kammerman, the Staples team prepared for months to engage in simulated congressional hearings. During the competition, students act as expert witnesses, testifying before a panel of legal scholars, judges, and educators to demonstrate their understanding of constitutional philosophy. This year’s team follows a historic legacy; the Staples program finished 8th in the nation in 2025, the school's highest-ever ranking. The current cohort is now set to travel to Washington, D.C. in April, where they will represent Westport on a national stage, competing against 48 of the top teams from across the United States.