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What three parts does Thomas Jefferson’s epitaph consist of? Who wrote the Federalist Papers? Why did World War II begin? An even more important question: In today’s society, who believes the introduction to the enticing tale of American’s history is important to the development of teenagers around the world? The answer to that question would be Jeremy Adams, Bakersfield High School’s well-respected AP Government teacher.

Last year, Adams single-handedly constructed a unique event entitled The Earl Warren Cup. This event consists of the combination of Adams’ AP Government classes in a competition to win the sought-after prize, the Earl Warren Cup trophy and is dedicated to the Bakersfield-bred, past California governor and Chief Justice, Earl Warren. The Earl Warren Cup consists of five rounds of government-based questions, with competitors competing in randomly selected pairs until a final contestant wins.

The competition was a huge success its first year and practically filled the Harvey Auditorium with its second occasion that took place just this past Wednesday. The students at Bakersfield High School feel the spirit of the event like they would Christmas and express their enthusiasm with decorative shirts a couple days before the actual event encouraging everyone to attend. Mr. Kevin Reynier, a close friend of Adams and fellow BHS teacher stated,

“As a citizen and a teacher, I was truly inspired by the dedication and desire shown by all the participants. We can all take comfort in knowing that there is a segment of the next generation that will face the challenges of tomorrow fully equipped with the knowledge of yesterday.”

California Avenue was hoarded with cars Wednesday night as everyone made their way to the second annual Earl Warren Cup. As the audience took their seats, their ears were filled with patriotic songs, generating the spirit within all of us. A large projection of the American flag was placed above the podium where the event started off with a Posting of Colors by the ROTC, followed by our national anthem sung by Forensics teacher, Mr. Andrew Scherrer. A brief speech delving into the history of Earl Warren was presented by Bakersfield High School’s Archiving teacher, Mr. Ken Hooper. David Reese, the principal at BHS, welcomed the audience and after a short explanation of the rules by Mr. Adams, the competition began!

The pressure was on as 32 competitors earnestly answered the questions they were given within the given time frame of 10 seconds. As the event continued to the semi-finals, only 4 contestants remained on stage: Blake Keathley, Miles Van Kopp, David Van Matre and Melissa Morris. Finally, the competition coursed its way to Van Matre and Morris, the standing two finalists. Eyes were at a fix. Hands clenched the arm rests with anticipation. “Your 2007 Earl Warren Cup champion!” yelled Mr. Adams as he pointed to Melissa Morris after she answered the final question correctly. Balloons and confetti fell as the audience jumped to their feet with excitement. The semi-finalists, Blake Keathley and Miles Van Kopp, along with the 1^st and 2^nd place winners, David Van Matre and Melissa Morris received their dazzling trophies as a reward for their exceptional efforts put forth in the event.

This underground affair is in need of some fresh eyes, to be experienced by students other than those at BHS and to the community as a whole. Bakersfield High School believes if The Earl Warren Cup is experienced by outsiders, it could influence surrounding schools to create the same competition, possibly expanding into a competition between schools.

This fun and educational event does not only entertain and educate those who observe it, but inspires the crowd as well by giving adults the satisfaction of knowing young people are aware of not only past politics, but the present as well. After all, it’s these kids that are the future of America and of the world.

 Adams is a compassionate teacher who educates with motivation and manifests his belief in every single one of his students. It’s enough to give someone goose bumps to listen to his inspiring speeches about his love for not only his students and his school, but for his country and his hope that it will continue to mature and advance in all areas. He believes the only way that will happen is by educating teenagers at a crucial point in their lives, when decisions are being thrown at them left at right, when they are trying to find out who they are and what they want out of life while struggling to meet the standards of school and their families.

Adams will persist in opening the eyes of the young, helping them define themselves and providing them with the tools necessary for accomplishing their future goals. The Earl Warren Cup is as big part of what makes this possible. Bakersfield would like to thank Jeremy Adams for contributing to such a sincere effort.

Kelsie Kinden

Bakersfield High School

Class of 2008