Nova Middle School Pre-Law program builds historic national dynasty with fourth consecutive victory in We the People competition

Broward County, Florida – Nova Middle School’s Pre-Law program has once again placed itself at the very top of the nation’s civic education landscape, securing its fourth consecutive championship in the Center for Civic Education’s “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” national competition. With this latest victory, the program has not only defended its title but also strengthened its reputation as one of the most consistent and disciplined teams in the country.

The achievement did not come easily. It was built over months of preparation, long travel hours, and an intense focus on understanding the U.S. Constitution and the structure of government. Students from Nova Middle School traveled by train to Washington, D.C. for the national competition held on May 15–16, turning the journey itself into part of their training experience.

Even before arriving, the team treated every moment as preparation. During the 22-hour train ride, students participated in drills, rehearsed arguments, and refined their knowledge under the guidance of their coaches and student mentors. The commitment was constant, with no downtime wasted as they sharpened their responses for the simulated congressional hearings ahead.

Once in Washington, the competition placed them in front of scholars, public officials, judges, and constitutional experts. Students were required to defend and explain complex constitutional principles, demonstrating not just memorization, but real understanding of how government systems function. The format challenged them to think quickly, speak clearly, and support their arguments under pressure.

But the experience extended beyond competition rooms.

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The team also explored some of the most important landmarks in American political life, visiting institutions tied to all three branches of government. Their itinerary included tours of the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Supreme Court, where many of the landmark cases they had studied in class were decided. For many students, it was a chance to connect classroom lessons with real-world history in a powerful and direct way.

Behind the team’s continued success is a coaching system built on discipline and consistency. Social sciences teacher Kristin Murphy, working alongside her husband Will Murphy, a lawyer and co-coach, has played a central role in shaping the program’s identity. Together, they have developed a structured training environment that pushes students to think critically and perform under pressure.

Their approach also includes collaboration with two student coaches from nearby Nova High School, who helped lead practice sessions and drills during the journey to Washington. The combination of experienced educators and student mentorship has created a unique learning environment that mirrors real legal and academic teamwork.

Kristin Murphy emphasized the long preparation process that led to this year’s victory.

“Our students started working on Nationals last summer,” she said. “They wanted it and they got it. They got to see that hard work pays off, and that is a lesson that is more valuable than the win.”

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The announcement of their fourth consecutive national title came on Monday, May 18, delivering excitement and pride to the school community. It confirmed what many had already begun to recognize: Nova Middle School’s Pre-Law program is not just successful, but dominant in its field.

With four straight championships now secured, the program continues to set a high standard in civic education, showing how dedication, preparation, and teamwork can turn a middle school classroom into a nationally recognized training ground for future leaders.