Becton Regional’s debate team departed for the eighteenth annual Penn Model Congress on March 26. Penn Model Congress is an entirely student-run organization which hosts a high school conference where 700 delegates from across the nation join at the University of Pennsylvania to debate their own legislation in simulation of the United States Congress.

At the most recent conference, Senior Sharon Skeahan received an honorable mention for her outstanding participation. In addition, fourteen out of fifteen bills that were introduced passed in each student’s committee sessions.

“Conferences like Penn are a unique opportunity for schools like Becton,” stated Debate Coach Mr. Carr. “We are the only Bergen County school to attend Yale or Penn. Our students have the opportunity to compete against students from elite private schools and U.S.A. Today’s top public high schools. We passed 14 out of 15 bills that is a great credit to our hard working delegates.”

Mr. Carr later added, “I would also like to thank Ms. Klamerus for helping out with getting the students around the campus.”

For many of the students attending this year’s Penn Model Congress, it was their last. “It was bittersweet,” stated Senior Co-Captain Renee Kochinski. “Being this was my eighth Model Congress, I feel my time has come to move on, but I’ll never forget the people I have met or the memories I have made.”

In addition, Senior Kerolos Aziz who had also attended eight Model Congresses throughout his high school career stated, “It was a fun and memorable learning experience. Although we came back exhausted, we can all agree that we will never forget the memories and friendships we have made.”

“Although I have only attended two Penn Model Congress conferences, I deeply wish I had attended more,” commented Senior Alex Gatopoulos.

“I have large shoes to fill,” stated Sophomore Zak Kandiel. “All of the seniors who have helped me along the way will be graduating soon, and next year I will be the only upperclassman with the most experience at these conferences. Taking on the role of nine seniors is a huge deal.”

Senior David Stoltz commented that given where he will be attending college, he will be relatively close when Yale Model Congress takes place. “Given this was my last Model Congress, I feel that this was the end of an era. There are four other seniors who I have attended all eight conferences with and I can honestly say I will miss the great times we had very deeply.”