On Thursday, November 19, 14 Spence students headed to Washington, DC, to attend Princeton’s annual Model Congress Conference (PMC). PMC is the nation’s oldest Model Congress conference; approximately 800 students and 28 schools from across the nation attended this year. Model Congress is a public speaking activity in which participants write mock congressional bills, introduce them to committees, debate them and finally vote on whether to enact them as (mock) legislation. Conferences feature numerous committees on which delegates serve—examples of committees include Foreign Affairs, Science and Technology, Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Judiciary and HELP (Health, Education, Labor and Pensions).

Spence’s delegates included Eleanor N. ’16, Philly O. ’16, Christine S. ’16, Antigone X. ’16, Emma D. ’17, Anya S. ’17, Emily Y. ’17, Skylar C. ’18, Sammy C. ’18, Caroline D. ’18, Grace F. ’18, Sarah G. ’18, Brooke H. ’18 and Ariadne X. ’18.

We debated in committee sessions with 20 delegates as well as in full sessions with approximately 100 delegates from numerous committees. The debate began on Thursday evening and continued until Sunday morning. Spence students have found and continue to find PMC to be a very fulfilling experience and look forward to the diverse array of opinions presented during debates. We were delighted to be debating in the seat of our federal government.

Spence students drafted legislation on issues of education, self-defense, agricultural production, international relations and much more. Grace F. issued grants to educate high schoolers and college students on cyber security. Ariadne X. planned to prohibit cash bail in US prisons. Brooke H. sought to build additional Ford Class aircraft carriers to replace the current Nimitz Class. Emily Y. increased taxes on real estate developments in order to fund public schools. And lastly, Eleanor N. sought to ban the use of antibiotics in livestock feed for nontherapeutic uses.

Spence students produced thoughtful bills as they sought to address issues relevant to our nation. They considered obstacles of spending, interventionism, climate change, energy independence and bipartisanship. Spence’s education prepared the group well—participants were already equipped with eloquence, confidence, critical thinking skills and the ability to easily present and defend opinions.

Sunday’s awards ceremony arrived with much anticipation and nerves, but ultimately brought much success and excitement. Eleven of the 14 Spence delegates received individual awards; three of those 11 were awarded two awards (one in committee and one in full session). Spence left the conference with eight gavels (first place), six honorable mentions (second place) and a total of 14 individual awards across our 14 delegates. We surpassed our own expectations. And much to our surprise and excitement, Spence also won The James Madison Award for Best Delegation at Princeton Model Congress 2015!

As always, we were honored to represent the School at this year’s PMC. We are truly proud to have been recognized for our work and determination. Having won Best Small Delegation in 2014 and Best Delegation in 2015, Spence’s Model Congress Delegation has seen great growth and accomplishment in the past two years. We look forward to attending local conferences held by interschool delegations and eagerly anticipate the rest of the season. Congratulations to Spence’s Model Congress Delegation and here’s to another great year!