MBS Delegation Excels at National Model Congress, Showcasing Leadership and Civic Engagement

Over the course of four action-packed days at Yale University, MBS students made an incredible mark at this year’s National Model Congress, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a dedication to tackling some of the most complex issues facing our country and world today.

The students were engaged in full congressional and committee sessions, debating a range of bills spanning mental health, small business, AI, healthcare, education, national security, and environmental protection.

Among the highlights, MBS Faculty Member Brian Maher noted the importance of student engagement in serious and emotionally charged discussions:

"As we sit in these committees and watch not only our MBS students, but the other 680 students from around the country, it becomes ever more evident the invaluableness of this competition. To watch these young minds sit roundtable and throw themselves emotionally and intellectually into the hardest and most complex topics facing our country and our world, we cannot even put it into words. No matter the cynicism out there, the present and the future are bright, and will continue to shine bright as these young minds blaze their path through society!"

Among the bills that passed were initiatives to expand mental health services for first responders and active military members, bolster small businesses through equitable digital marketing opportunities, introduce excise taxes on large corporations to stabilize housing markets, modernize US border security with AI assistance, and investigate and reform operations at Alcatraz. Additional bills included safeguarding veterans’ benefits, regulating AI in healthcare, reinstating US global health aid, creating protections against job loss due to AI, and increasing federal funding for public schools. Notably, the Adirondack Mountains were officially made a national park during the competition, ensuring environmental protection and conservation.

Students did not just participate, they excelled. They made speeches in committees beyond their own bills, collaborated effectively, and demonstrated maturity, empathy, and strategic thinking well beyond their years.

The results were remarkable. Awards were handed out recognizing exceptional work:

• John Degnan '27 – Best Legislation for his committee.

• Carleigh Cofer '26 – Best Legislation for her committee.

• Charlotte White '26 – Honorable Mention for Best Delegate overall commitee.

• Sophia Soloman '26 – Accepted into the Presidential Cabinet from the start of the competition, one of seven students to run for president, and delivered a presidential candidacy speech during opening ceremonies.

It has truly been a testament to MBS’ commitment to nurturing thoughtful, engaged, and civic-minded leaders. The success of these students demonstrates not only their talent and dedication, but the bright future that lies ahead for them and for the world they will shape.