On February 23, Highland Park Model UN and Congress embarked on a four-day trip to Philadelphia to participate in the Philadelphia Model United Nations conference. During this event, run by Rutgers University's Institute for Domestic & International Affairs, the team focused on the theme of exploring development through democracy in Africa.
The trip began with a visit to Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center where the team explored the foundation of the United States. Students also ate at the West African restaurant Suya Suya, enjoying foods like smoked spiced meat and jollof rice.
Throughout the four days with committee sessions stretching as long as four hours, Highland Park delegates debated topics ranging from reconstructing South Sudan post-civil war to climate change to organized crime in Africa.
The team won Outstanding Large Delegation for their collective success in committee, outperforming other schools like East Brunswick. Not only did the entire team win, but fourteen of the thirty students who participated also won individual awards. Go Park!