South Middle School eighth-grader Alec Kruse could give you a lecture about the water levels at Angostora Lake. And then he could tell you exactly what needs to be done to remedy the problem.

The 14-year-old used his firsthand experience - he fishes near a friend's house by the lake - and his research at school to complete a portfolio project for Civic Education Day at the State Capitol in Pierre this week.

Kruse, along with 13 fellow classmates in Nancy Deranleau's current events class traveled to the capitol Wednesday to present their portfolios for the South Dakota Project Citizen Portfolio Showcase and Oral Presentations, which are part of the Center for Civic Education and The Chiesman Center for Democracy.

The students researched issues or problems in the community, looked at all sides of the problem and proposed a public policy for how to deal with it, said DeVee Dietz, director of Civic Education Programs at the Chiesman Center for Democracy. Then they developed an action plan detailing the steps to take to have their public policy proposal adopted by the appropriate governmental authorities. The students also had the opportunity to take part in an oral presentation.

The portfolios and oral presentations were evaluated in Pierre.

It was the fourth year that school districts in South Dakota have participated in a statewide showcase and the first time for South Middle School to attend.

South's other portfolios included four-day school weeks, immigration, longer lunch periods and global warming.

Deranleau said it's something she hopes to do with future classes, especially because they will get to watch the Legislative session in action.

"It's absolutely something I'd like to do again," she said.

Rapid City's Black Hills Community Bank of Rapid City sponsored South's trip.

Kevin Dietz, senior vice president, said the decision to help was easy.

"They could have sent the project, but for the kids to be there … the bank thought it was a great opportunity for them," he said.

DeVee said the students had the opportunity to speak with legislators as they passed through the rotunda.

"It gives them that personal touch," she said. "Who better to talk to than the people who make the laws?"

The South Dakota portfolio with the highest level of achievement will go on to the National Showcase which will be held the end of July in New Orleans during the annual meeting at the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Contact Kayla Gahagan at 394-8410 or Kayla.gahagan@rapidcityjournal.com