A group of Trumbull High School students recently participated in the University of Pennsylvania Model Congress competition and their exceptional performance brought home several top honors.
The Model Congress competition simulates the legislative process of the United States government, where high school students from across the country gather to debate and create solutions to important national issues. This year’s event was held at the University of Pennsylvania, attracting hundreds of students from all over the United States.
This is the largest model congress competition Trumbull High has attended since COVID, but the school was lucky to be represented by a group of 21 talented students, who excelled in their respective committees and were recognized for their outstanding performances. The students tackled a variety of issues, ranging from healthcare reform to environmental sustainability. Two students even received awards for their talent, the most at a national conference for the past two years.
Junior student Thomas Ou was awarded the Best Delegate in his committee, which focused on educational reforms. “My experiences being in a special education program for non-native speakers and as a tutor for high school students really shone through in this committee,” commented Ou. “I had so much to say about our education system”.
Ou’s extensive research and passionate arguments helped him stand out among the other participants. When asked about the award, he said, “I think I leapt 3 feet in the air when I found out. This year’s competitors were especially tough and I am incredibly grateful and proud to have received this honor”.
Another Trumbull High School student, senior Nick Valyayev, received an Honorable Mention for his work in the Judiciary. He was recognized for his eloquent speeches and well-researched proposals.
“I got insight into how Moot Court functions, which is incredibly valuable since it’s an activity that I want to do in college,” said Valyayev, “By the end of it, I felt like an actual lawyer going before the bench. The people in SCOTUS were also incredibly nice, and I would encourage others in ModCon who are interested to apply to SCOTUS whenever they have the chance”.
Both of these participants were first year model congress competitors, only recently joining earlier this year. The club’s officers encourage more students to try out the competition, stating that they may be pleasantly surprised by the results.
For Ou, Model Congress is the perfect club for any aspiring lawyer and/or political science student.
“Attending this conference is an incredible opportunity to engage in meaningful debates, learn about national issues, and develop crucial skills such as public speaking and negotiation,” he said. “It’s an experience that not only broadens your horizons but also prepares you for a future in leadership and decision-making”.
The success of the Trumbull High School Model Congress team at the University of Pennsylvania event is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students, teachers, and administrators. The team’s achievements demonstrated the high caliber of education and extracurricular opportunities available at Trumbull High School.