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Students had the trip of a lifetime while attending Princeton Model Congress (PMC) from Nov. 16 to Nov. 19.  Their free time was packed full by visiting various museums, colleges and historical monuments. 

“D.C was very interesting to see, especially since it’s so different from Omaha,” junior Caroline McDonald said. McDonald was on the House Judiciary committee. “There’s something historical on almost every single corner.”

Students had the opportunity to meet with Rebecca Unruh, a legislative correspondent (LC) for Senator Pete Ricketts. The day before the meeting, Ricketts was involved in a session to keep the government open that lasted until 3 a.m.

Unruh offered advice to students about internships and tips for becoming involved more in government.

“Ultimately, a good work ethic and a positive attitude will get you further in a couple years than good connections ever will,” Unruh said. “Integrity will take you very far, especially when it comes to politics.”

PMC has been the leading Model Congress in America since its creation in 1982 in New York City. Delegates from states across the country debated different topics and passed laws they were passionate about. Although other colleges like Harvard host model congresses, Princeton congress was chosen for its location and smaller committee sizes.

“My favorite part of the conference was seeing people my age from across the country and being able to collaborate with them,”  junior Annie Stessman said. Stessman was on the Senate Judiciary committee.

Delegates use parliamentary procedure to keep debates civilized. One or two Princeton students were involved in committee sessions at all times to keep the debates running as smoothly as possible and to help those who weren’t as familiar with Model Congress.

“Delegates are all required to research a modern issue and write a bill about it,” social studies teacher and chaperone Mrs. Jillian Roger said. These bills were then printed out and distributed to the delegate’s committee. There, they would be amended, and, if passed, would be sent to the full House session and then Cabinet in order to become a law.

“I found out new perspectives to issues that I hadn’t considered before,”  junior Abby McGuire said.  She was on the Senate Foreign Relations committee. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there— you get closer to a lot of people you didn’t know as well before.”

Marian students were involved in all sessions.  Sophomore MajieAhna Winfrey ran for president by giving a 3-minute speech to the entire conference, and Caroline McDonald received an honorable mention after the conference concluded.

Though delegates across America take the conference seriously, they know how to have fun, too. Various “joke bills” were passed, such as when the Cabinet decided to annex Canada and rename it to “New Syrupland.” The action resulted in the House of Representatives impeaching President Grant Aurulus and the Supreme Court finding him guilty of high treason, though the Senate found him innocent, therefore keeping him in power.

“I would really encourage girls to attend Model Conference in the future. It’s an amazing experience to see the world and is very beneficial, especially if you are interested in debate, public speaking, government or politics,” English teacher and chaperone Ms. Susie Sisson said. Sisson has been involved in Model Congress since 1999.

If you are interested in going to Model Congress next year, keep an eye out for information later on in the year. McGuire and McDonald are in discussions of starting a Model Congress Club to involve more girls in this memorable trip.