By J1 Reporter Emily Salzman

Every year in Boston, Massachusetts, 1,500 students from 60 different schools gather for the annual Harvard Model Congress. The purpose of this event is for students to simulate the different roles of Congress and further understand the different government functions.

This years’ Congress will be held from Feb. 20-23 at the Sheraton Hotel in Boston. Led by social studies teachers, Mrs. Katy Salzman and Mrs. Julian Roger, 8 juniors and 11 seniors from Marian will be attending. Among these students is senior Chrissy Gulseth who attended this event last year. “The best part was meeting new people from across the country and being able to actually get an idea of what politics in action is like,” Gulseth said.

However, the students must complete a number of assignments in preparation for the Model Congress. “It’s really about doing the research to become the students’ designated person in congress,” Salzman said. After several months, the students’ work pays off as they get to go and see for themselves how the different roles of Congress play out. 

A sense of how Congress works is not the only thing that students’ get out of the Model Congress. They also learn many skills that will last throughout their life. Among many, they, “Get a sense of appreciation for the lawmaking process and devotion to civic engagement,” Roger said. This includes a passion for citizen involvement in the government such as voting, activism and lobbying.

Outside of the Model Congress, students’ will also get a chance to visit either Harvard University or Boston College. At these schools, the students get a chance to walk around and can even attend a few “approved” courses on request. 

Harvard Model Congress is an opportunity for students’ all over the country to learn more about government while getting an idea of the importance of being a citizen advocate in communities all around the country.