DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA) brought a compelling focus to civic education and constitutional awareness during a special event in recognition of Bill of Rights Day. Held in collaboration with Pennsylvania’s inaugural celebration of the occasion, the virtual presentation provided a platform for students to explore the enduring significance of the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution.
The event featured an esteemed panel of legal professionals, including Federal Judge Mark Kearney of the Philadelphia District Court, Defense Attorney Grant Bloomdahl, and Federal Court Officer Brian Piskai. Through their expert guidance, the presentation offered a unique opportunity for students to engage deeply with fundamental constitutional principles.
The interactive session welcomed eight BVA students alongside 25 peers from Technical College High School (TCHS) and their educators. Together, the group analyzed real-world cases related to the First and Fourth Amendments, fostering critical discussions on issues such as digital privacy, censorship, and the evolving application of constitutional rights in educational and societal contexts. Key topics included contemporary legal challenges such as cellphone tracking, password privacy, and the constitutional implications of landmark cases like Dobbs v. Jackson.
Dr. Jeanne McCarthy, Director of BVA, underscored the importance of such initiatives in connecting students to meaningful learning experiences beyond the confines of a virtual classroom. “At BVA, we strive to provide our students with meaningful learning experiences that go beyond the virtual classroom,” McCarthy said. “Our Bill of Rights Day presentation exemplifies our commitment to nurturing informed and engaged students who understand the value of their rights and responsibilities.”
The featured legal professionals also shared personal narratives, offering students an inside look at their careers in public service. These inspiring stories highlighted the human dimension of legal practice and reinforced the value of pursuing careers that uphold constitutional principles.
The event concluded with a student-led Q&A session, which enabled participants to pose thoughtful questions about how the Bill of Rights applies in modern settings. The exchange demonstrated the students’ curiosity and engagement, with many expressing their enthusiasm for the program.
One BVA attendee, Grace Mykhaylyk, reflected on her experience, noting how the event expanded her understanding of constitutional issues. “I thought it was very intriguing to see the perspective of the judge. I learned something new about how court sessions work, the Seventh Amendment, and the Eighth Amendment. If I could do it again, I would,” Mykhaylyk said. Another participant, Lloyd Reznor, added, “I think it was entertaining and informative. I liked seeing a federal judge, and it showed him as a person just like us. The information about the First Amendment was especially informative. I would do it again!”
Through engaging discussions and real-world applications of constitutional law, BVA’s Bill of Rights Day event reflected the academy’s mission to promote civic awareness and critical thinking among its students. By bringing the world of legal principles and public service into virtual classrooms, BVA continues to prepare students to become informed citizens ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
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