Hoosac Valley Students Attend Model Congress
CHESHIRE, Mass. — Students from Hoosac Valley High School joined more than 250 high school students from throughout New England and New York for the 72nd annual Model Congress at American International College in Springfield.The three-day event is the longest running event of its kind in the country.
The students submitted the legislation prior to the start of Model Congress, and each bill was then debated, amended and voted on during committee meetings. Bills that were approved in committee were taken up the next day in House and Senate sessions.
AIC faculty judges rated the delegates on their debating and oratorical skills, as well as their knowledge and use of Robert's Rules of Order.
The Hoosac Valley delegates, led by advisers Christopher and Cindie Vincent, submitted a bill aimed at regulating the crossing of Mexican and Canadian trucks into the United States. Under the legislation, foreign truckers would have to obtain an American trucking license. They also sponsored a resolution that would give Washington, D.C., residents representation in Congress by adding a fixed congressional district to the state of Maryland.
More than $200,000 in AIC scholarships was awarded to delegates during the event, with the top prize going to Nicole Akramoff of St. Joseph Central High School in Pittsfield. She will receive a full tuition scholarship to AIC for four years.
Newly-elected Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse addressed the joint session of Model Congress urging the student leaders to stay involved with the governmental process. At 22, Morse is the city's youngest mayor ever.
Springfield City Council President James Ferrera spoke at the awards banquet. Ferrera read a proclamation from the City Council congratulating AIC on its 72-year tradition of Model Congress.
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