Replicating the political process over four days in San Francisco, four St. Margaret’s Upper School students took part in Harvard Model Congress last week, as they wrote, presented and debated legislation in an experiential-learning opportunity as part of their AP government studies.

 

A handful of St. Margaret’s students have participated in Harvard Model Congress dating back years, led by Upper School history teacher Rocky Parker. This year, seniors Jordan Westendorf, Natalie Yee and Claire Allison, and junior Sally Fales participated in the four-day conference.

 

The students represented actual leaders in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the United States government, as they worked with students from schools across the country to achieve committee and agency goals. Jordan was director of national intelligence on the National Security Council, Natalie was a violent crime analyst with the FBI, Claire was California representative Stephen Knight and Sally was California senator Kamala Harris.

 

Jordan was honored as one of three endnote speakers, being selected among 27 hopefuls. In addition, Claire was honored as best delegate for her work in the House Committe on Science, Space and Technology.

 

“Harvard Model Congress is a great way for our students to better understand the inner-workings of our government,” Mr. Parker said. “By representing key figures in Washington, they get to see the political process up close and work with others to find legislative solutions.”