On May 11th, 2024, the Model Congress team at WW-P High School North hosted NorthMC IV, their fourth annual student-led conference. Delayed after years of COVID where student gatherings could not occur, the event was a chance for middle schoolers and high schoolers alike to gain experience debating and discussing in a simulated Congressional setting.
Participation in programs like Model Congress is invaluable for high school students. These programs offer a unique opportunity to model the democratic process, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in debating, crafting legislation, and understanding parliamentary procedures. This is especially crucial for those interested in pursuing careers in government, as it provides a foundational understanding of how democratic institutions operate. Additionally, Model Congress helps students develop essential skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration. By engaging in structured debates and working together on legislative proposals, students learn how to articulate their ideas clearly, respect differing viewpoints, and work towards common goals.
Sugirtha Arunagiri, an active debater in the club and part of the event organizing committee, can attest to its impact, stating “The club helps students become more aware of the various social issues impacting our world today, as well as specific solutions we can use to combat them." Overall, Model Congress fosters a deeper appreciation for civic engagement and equips students with the tools necessary to become informed, active participants in their communities and future leaders in society.
I had the honor of addressing the students to start the conference, sharing my experiences as a West Windsor resident, the reasons behind my decision to run for a position on the West Windsor Town Council, and the policies and enhanced transparency I aim to promote during my tenure. I was joined by Priya Kartik, founder and CEO, and TEDx Coach of Enspire Academy. Her organization provides leadership and communication skills development that utilizes a unique combination of innovative training and coaching strategies to create positive outcomes.
The students spent the day in committee sessions with around twenty others, aptly named “Small Committee”, where they debated student-written legislation. All students in middle school and younger went into ‘Novice’ committees, where they were taught the basics of Model Congress: parliamentary procedure (the rules and order in which debate is run), the necessary parts of an argument, and how to write a bill. The high school students and Model Congress veterans went into a regular committee session, where they presented and debated bills they had written prior to the conference. Later, the students gathered to participate in “Full Committee”, where they all would be partaking in a committee session together. At the end of the day, a Closing Ceremony was held, thanking all the delegates for their participation. Students who had consistently participated, shown a willingness to grow, and showcased their exceptional abilities and enthusiasm were also recognized with awards: Honorable Mention and Best Delegate for Small and/or Full Committee.
Overall, the students learned and debated for nearly seven hours, using the conference as a platform to start civil discussions on topics ranging from AI, plastic-eating enzymes to combat water pollution, and U.S-Taiwanese relations.
You can watch a video recap that the students created of the NorthMC IV conference here: NorthMC IV
If your student is an incoming or current high schooler to WW-P North, Model Congress is a great club to look into and join. Students are given the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge surrounding current events, develop their public speaking skills, and travel to Ivy League universities for conferences that occur throughout the year.
The Model Congress team at WW-P High School North can be contacted via email at northmc@gmail.com
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hsn_mc/
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