It’s a BIG One!

The 80th annual Model Congress at AIC, the longest running continuous model congress of its type in the nation and one of the institution’s oldest campus traditions, celebrated an eight-decade milestone this month. Eleven high schools throughout the northeast came to campus to write, debate, and pass legislation in a weekend-long simulated congress. Keynote speaker for the event was United States Congressman and Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee Richard E. Neal, a 1972 graduate of the college.

The AIC Model Congress awards scholarship opportunities to its top delegates. This year’s top delegate, Kennedy Winslow from SABIS International Charter School, was presented with the Kathryn Mauke Scholarship by its namesake’s sister, Model Congress Legislative Chair Mariah Mauke. The full four-year tuition scholarship to American International College was named in memory of Kathryn Mauke, the top delegate at the 74th model congress in 2015. Second and third place delegates, Jamison Rohan from Minnechaug Regional High School and Michael Scoville from SABIS International Charter School, each received $10,000 and $5,000 four-year scholarships to American International College respectively.

Best Delegation and Best Bill awards were presented to the schools that submit the most outstanding legislation and demonstrate the highest level of participation. In its impressive showing at Model Congress 2020, Best Delegation was awarded to the SABIS B delegation consisting of Michael Scoville, Jayden Dow, Gwyneth Straw, and Raena Turay. Best Bill was awarded to bill sponsors Jack Flanagan and Ian Woods from Suffield High School for their proposed Mandatory Immunization in Public Schools Act. Chatham High School of Chatham, NY, honored with the School Spirit Award, demonstrated the highest level of participation, enthusiasm, and team spirit.

Participating schools for this year included Agawam High School, Chatham High School (Chatham, NY), Chicopee Comprehensive High School, East Longmeadow High School, East Windsor High School, Longmeadow High School, Minnechaug Regional High School, Poultney High School (Poultney, VT), SABIS International Charter School, Southwick Regional School, and Suffield High School.

Congratulations to these impressive future leaders!