NMCC to host Constitution Day celebration

    PRESQUE ISLE – On Sept. 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by 39 brave men who changed the course of history. Now, Constitution Day, held annually Sept. 17, is a time for us to continue their legacy and develop habits of citizenship in a new generation of Americans.     To mark the occasion, students and employees at Northern Maine Community College have planned a series of activities on campus that are free and open to the public.
    On Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m., NMCC humanities instructor David Raymond will deliver a presentation on the Constitutional powers of the president, a fitting topic in light of the upcoming presidential election. Raymond will discuss the debate of the presidency at the Constitutional convention, the powers enumerated in Article II over the Constitution, the subsequent amendments to the Constitution which affect the presidency, and a brief historical overview of the presidents who have helped define the office.
    “In light of the upcoming presidential election and the multitude of generous promises that will be made, it is useful to review the powers of the president, as outlined in the Constitution, to square the candidates’ promises with the presidential power to carry out those promises,” said Raymond.
    Both prior to and immediately following the presentation, which will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the Edmunds Conference Center, NMCC student volunteers will be staffing a table to both register people to vote and to provide resident students with information about voting via absentee ballot.
    NMCC student and event organizer, Candice Rivera said, “I believe it is extremely important for young people to become interested and involved in the election process and vote so that their voices are heard. It is in everyone’s best interest to realize the necessity of voting and participating in the democratic process.”
    Light refreshments in a red, white, and blue theme will be offered following the presentation.
    Also in celebration of Constitution Day, the College is sponsoring a crossword puzzle challenge. All students will have the opportunity to complete a crossword puzzle testing their constitutional knowledge. Everyone who turns in a sheet that has been successfully completed will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate from the bookstore. The winning name will be announced at the Sept. 17 event.
    To wrap up the day of activities, the campus community is invited to a screening of “National Treasure” at 7 p.m. in the Edmunds Conference Center.  The action/adventure movie, starring Nicholas Cage, features a treasure hunt revolving around several historical aspects of American history, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell and more.
    The law establishing Constitution Day was enacted in 2004. The act mandates that all publicly funded educational institutions provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution on that day or an adjacent weekday.
    For more information on any of the Constitution Day activities, contact the college relations office at 768-2809.