In middle school, I was a very shy student who couldn’t advocate for himself. I didn’t speak up much, talk to new people, or fight for myself. With Model Congress, this all changed. I learned how to have involved conversations, how to make sure my opinion was heard, and began to make new friends. Students who participate in Model Congress are more confident in real social situations outside of the school environment, stand up for themselves, and are successful when public speaking is required, such as in the frequent presentations required of students in Wantagh High School. 

In Model Congress, the heads of the club create various “bills” for you to propose and try to pass each week in the club purely through your own argument. These bills consist of a plethora of subjects including ridiculous bills like trying to prove that Adam Sandler is funny to serious political subjects. The student board of the club maintains a strictly decorous environment to ensure that all opinions are heard and respected. All debates are fair and members of the club are constantly learning.  

Seven times a year, students have the option to visit Congress events hosted by the other schools who also have Model Congress clubs. At these events, students get the opportunity to socialize and debate with other members of model Congress from the eight other member schools (Lawrence, Seaford, Herricks, Hewlett, New Rochelle, East Meadow, Oceanside, Long Beach). 

Model Congress looks excellent to colleges for students who are looking to bolster their high school resumes. In addition, public speaking is an important skill for critical parts of life, like interviews for careers and colleges. The creative minds of Model Congress recently overcame the limitations imposed upon them by COVID-19 and organized an online Congress that was attended by dozens of students from the eight member schools, who all participated in lively digital debate with their peers. 

Model Congress fosters confidence, speaking skills, and creativity in a welcoming, respectful, and tolerant environment. As high school students, many of us are transitioning into the next phase of our lives, a phase that is more individualistic and requires much more self-advocacy and self-confidence. I cannot stress enough how the model Congress cultivates these skills and values in its members through debate and conversation. I highly recommend that you attend a meeting if you have any interest at all as new members are welcome at every meeting. We hope to see you there!