71st Model Congress Winners!

Ashley Casiello of Agawam High School won 1st Prize at the 7st annual Model Congress at American International College. More than 250 high school students from throughout New England and New York attended the thee-day event, January 14-16, the longest running event of its kind in the country.

Ashley Casiello - 1st Place

Casiello was awarded a full tuition scholarship to AIC for four years.

The students spent three days debating and voting on legislation, including the Corruption Out of Welfare Act, a bill submitted by Agawam High School, that would reduce the amount of abuse of the welfare system,.

Other legislation sought to modernize and expand America's transit system and repeal the prohibition of marijuana and related products. There were also bills aimed at creating a secure facility within the United States for relocating terrorists previously imprisoned in the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.

Benjamin Martin - 2nd Place

Anthony Gabrielle - 3rd Place

Aaron Kahn-Bork - 4th Place

Steven D. Pierce, Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Housing Court, delivered the keynote address to the joint session of Model Congress on Friday, January 14, while State Senator Gale Candaras (D-Wilbraham) was the Banquet Speaker on Saturday, January 15.

This year's participants included delegations from several local high schools, including Agawam, Belchertown, Cathedral, Chatham, Chicopee, Gardner, Holyoke, Hoosac Valley, Minnechaug Regional, Greenfield, Southwick Tolland Regional and Sabis International.

Beginning in 1941 with then State Senator Tycho Peterson, the AIC Model Congress has attracted prominent state, regional and national government officials to address the student legislators. Among the notable at Model Congress have been Sen. John Kerry, Cong. Richard Neal, former Cong. Gerald Ford, former Sen. Joseph Biden and former Cong. Barbara Kennelly to name just a few.

Lindsie Simpson of Newington, Conn., is the chair of Model Congress. "Model Congress is a unique program that allows students to learn by utilizing their critical reasoning skills and ultimately strengthening their character. Our forefathers established a system to encourage our involvement and promote individuality. This program strives to achieve excellence by advocating our rights of free speech and expression," she said.

AIC faculty and staff served as judges for the event, rating the student legislators on their oratorical and debating skills, as well as their knowledge of parliamentary procedure. The first place winner earned a full scholarship to AIC for four years, worth more than a $100,000. Partial scholarships were also awarded to the second, third and fourth place winners.

71st Model Congress Winners

First Place
Ashley Casiello
Agawam High School

Second Place
Benjamin Martin
Chicopee High School

Third Place
Anthony Gabrielle
Minnechaug Regional High School

Fourth Place
Aaron Kahn-Bork
Pioneer Valley Regional High School

Honorable Mention(s)
Danielle Lessard
SABIS International Charter High School

Brandon Santiago
SABIS International Charter High School

Beau Dangelis
Minnechaug Regional High School

Hannah Sullivan
SABIS International Charter High School

Davonte Johnson
SABIS International Charter High School

Outstanding Delegation Award

SABIS International Charter High School, Delegation B

BEST BILL MC 11

Pioneer Valley Regional High School Delegation A