Every year for the past nine years, Los Medanos College has commemorated the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17. This year, there were multiple booths set up in front of the cafeteria to educate students about their rights as a United States citizen.

“Constitution Day is a federal holiday where we pass out information about the Constitution to students so they know about it,” said Financial Office Administrator, Eva Monteverde.

In an effort to spread the word about Constitution Day, Student Life Associate Adrian Montemayor set up a booth featuring fun games and a plethora of information to educate students about their rights. Challenging students to answer questions about what rights they’re already aware of, Montemayor set up a quiz wheel at his table.

“They [students] can spin the quiz wheel for prizes based on what they already know about their rights,” said Montemayor.

According to a survey released by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation on Oct. 3, 2018, only 36% of American citizens were able to pass the US citizenship test. Although Constitutional rights are taught to every student in public high school, very few remember enough to pass the same test that naturalized citizens go through on a daily basis. 

“I think it’s important that students know their rights with everything going on right now. I believe that the Constitution should be taught every once in a while in class for review as well,” said student Victor Delgadillo.

The Constitution Day celebration at LMC also featured a financial aid booth to help further students knowledge about the financial aid options available to them. Financial Aid Office Administrator, Faidra Lopez, explained that many students submit their FAFSA, or request for student funding, too late.

“I suggest that students get their FAFSA done early. For 2021, FAFSA opens on October 1st, 2019. If you turn it in early, we can process you early so you can get all of your books and materials the first week of school,” said Lopez.

Not only did the event feature financial aid and student life booths, but it offered students the opportunity to learn more about the military as well. Army recruiter and Sergeant, Arthur Burnett, distributed information to help students considering joining the Army.

“Our goal is to show young men and women the benefits of military service. Students should know that joining the army is not always full time. There are part time jobs in the army reserves, and you can get student loan payments through enlisting as well,” said Sergeant Burnett.