Twenty-four La Salle students will depart for Boston, Massachusetts on Tuesday, February 16 to take part in Harvard Model Congress, a United States government simulation. The students will participate in the four day conference and explore many of the historical sights and attractions Boston has to offer.

The conference is “the nation’s oldest government run simulation,” according to the Congress’ website, and is “run by exclusively by undergraduates at Harvard College.”

Each participant is given a member of the government to represent. Typically participants are given the role of a member of the House or Senate; however, special roles also exist. Some of the special roles include members of the media, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and even the Supreme Court.

“I will be a member of the House of Representatives. My role is Ted Deutch, who serves as a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee,” senior Trinity Swift said. “I am eager to broaden my scope on the role of Government, and I hope to gain a better understanding of the Judiciary Branch. I would say that although I am looking forward to the simulation, I am slightly nervous. I have heard nothing but good things, yet I am not sure what to expect.”

La Salle has participated in the conference for over twenty years and this year marks the sixth year of the trip being led by Mr. Lanaghan, who will also be accompanied by Mrs. Banta.

“I am most excited about two things,” Mr. Lanaghan said. “The diversity of the roles and the newly renovated JFK Museum that everyone will get to go see.”

In addition to the conference and JFK Museum, students will be visiting several notable locations including the State House and the Tea Party Museum. Students will also have free time to visit locations of their choosing.

“I am most excited to visit MIT,” junior Nathan Felcher said. “I am also excited for the conference itself, because I am really interested in the role that I got picked to participate in.”

The other students participating in this year’s Congress are juniors Delina Biniam, Clare Brinkman, Kateri Dir-Munoz, Nikolaus Evans, Aaron Felcher, Ann Fisher, Jared Fontenette, Jaden Gloden, Bailey Higgins, Virginia Jacobs, Zoe Jones, Joseph Kreitzberg, Breanna Oetken, Christian Reyes, Madeleine Sheahan, John Stafford, Sonja Stark, Gabrielle Stoney, Simone Stoney, and Cole Whritenour. In addition to the 22 juniors three seniors are participating as well – Teresa Olarte, Hannah Price, and Trinity Swift.

The students will return to Portland on Sunday, February 21 and will be back at school Monday morning.