Great Debates At Seaford High Are Spirited And Friendly

Photos courtesy of the Seaford School District

Seaford High School Model Congress students debate issues both serious and silly, but regardless of the topic, there is a greater emphasis on camaraderie.

The Seaford/Wantagh delegation hosted a Model Congress convention on Jan. 21 at Seaford High School, featuring about 170 students from high schools on Long Island and Westchester County. Every event has a spirit theme, and this year’s was “road trip,” with members of each team encouraged to dress up to represent a different city.

Students could participate in committee debates on topics relating to entertainment, philosophy and ethics, pop culture, teen issues and more. There were serious topics like, “Is veganism truly environmentally conscious?” And some were more lighthearted, like “What would happen if you gave a Victorian child an iPad?”

“It’s the basic structure of our Congress, where people meet in committees to discuss different issues,” General Chair Paige Burch said.

Just like the federal government, there were full meetings of the House and Senate for students to vote on bills. Troy Tyznar, Seaford’s agenda chair, was in charge of coming up with the House bills to vote on, in consultation with the committee chairs. These were created in advance of the event.

“I love being able to debate about topics that I really like,” Troy said. “I also love that I’m able to ask questions of people’s opinions.”

Other officers from Seaford include Associate General Chair Gabrielle Bellamore, Delegate Chair Samantha Ferrara and Financial Chair Mary Saporito.

There are team and individual awards at the Model Congress conventions. Every delegation hosts one event per school year and the Seaford/Wantagh team was placed first at Long Beach High School.

Students say that being part of Model Congress helps them learn the art of debate in a fun and friendly place. The conventions, they noted, have a family atmosphere and are a safe space to explore their own beliefs and broaden their world views and perspectives.

“You can hear everyone else’s opinions,” Mary said. “It helps you to have an open mind.”