In a remarkable testament to the broadening influence of Texas independence principles, students from Staples High School in Connecticut recently achieved their school’s highest-ever placement in the prestigious We the People National Finals, crediting assistance from the Texas Nationalist Movement as key to their success.
The Staples High School team secured 8th place in the 2025 national civics competition held in Washington D.C., marking the first time the school has broken into the top 10. Two team members, Jake Shufro and Andrew Rebello, specifically highlighted their discussions with TNM President Daniel Miller as instrumental to their performance.
The We the People competition, now in its fifth decade, challenges high school students to demonstrate their understanding of constitutional principles through simulated congressional hearings. Students present prepared statements and face intense questioning from judges acting as members of Congress.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to see Staples High School achieve such impressive results,” said Miller. “Their dedication to thoroughly researching the principles of self-determination paid off, and we’re honored to have played a small part in their accomplishment. This shows how solid arguments on independence resonate regardless of state boundaries.”
The Connecticut students reached out to the TNM in early March, seeking insights on Texas independence arguments for their competition project. Their inquiry focused on constitutional questions related to state sovereignty, the Tenth Amendment, and the legal basis for independence movements.
“When we referenced obscure court cases like Jacobson v Massachusetts, the judges were impressed,” Rebello noted in his message to TNM. “In fact, they told us that no other team had brought up evidence like that all day!”
The TNM provided the students with academic papers, Supreme Court case analyses, international law citations, and expert opinions. Miller participated in two direct calls with the students, answering questions about the constitutional foundations for state independence.
This educational outreach represents just one example of the TNM’s ongoing commitment to education on independence and self-determination. Over the years, the organization has contributed to numerous academic projects, including doctoral dissertations examining the legal and historical foundations of independence.
“Beyond that, we’re truly grateful to talk to you not only for your first-hand experience and intensive research on secession/independence movements, but also because we really enjoyed laughing with you and having a deeply enriching discussion,” the students wrote in their thank-you message.
The Staples team competed as a wildcard entry under the guidance of teacher Suzanne Kammerman, with a roster of 22 students participating in the national finals. The team’s success included outperforming all three California teams in the competition.
This interaction demonstrates how principles of self-determination, state sovereignty and constitutional rights continue to resonate with young people across the United States, transcending regional boundaries and political divides. It also highlights how the work of the Texas Nationalist Movement extends beyond our borders, contributing to a deeper international conversation about fundamental principles and self-determination.
For more information about the TNM’s educational outreach programs or to request similar support for academic projects, contact the Texas Nationalist Movement through our website.
