DoDEA

SINGAPORE — 110 DoDEA Pacific high school students joined over 200 of their peers from Jordan, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Philippines, and several other countries for the Harvard Model Congress Asia Conference held here Jan. 13-15. The HMC Asia is a forum for students to practice statecraft and diplomacy by assuming leadership roles as representatives of over 20 nations. The students are challenged through scenarios based on contemporary international disputes and must work together to forge solutions through diplomatic, judicial, legislative and journalistic exercises. Topics covered a wide range of issues including bird flu, education in Africa, terrorism, world banking, and recent developments in the Arab world. Facilitators from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government supported student-led domestic committees such as the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, U.S. Supreme Court, Cabinet, National Security Council, etc. International committees included the G-15, World Trade Organizations, African Union, World Health Organization, Arab League, among others. Students also assumed roles as professional journalists seeking to convey the important work of the committees, explore accountability and transparency issues, and report on outcomes. Teacher George Riley from Daegu High School said the conference built on the leadership skills and academic ambitions many students develop at their DoDEA Pacific schools, “Our students learned a great deal about world affairs and the many problems about governing America. They came away with a new respect for the efforts of people in real-world organizations and the U.S. Government. This was a very worthwhile and educational event and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students.”

Other skill areas the delegates learned and applied during the HMC Asia conference included cooperation, negotiation, critical thinking, and public speaking.

DoDEA Pacific Activities Coordinator Todd Kirby said the conference is both rigorous and uniquely rewarding, “The quality of the experience is incredible. Most of the Harvard students who run the mock committees and
councils at Harvard Model Congress Asia have actually worked with those same committees or councils as interns, etc. in real life. They share their insight and experiences with our students to help facilitate DoDEA’s goal of preparing students to take the classroom out into the real world. The most rewarding part, however, is when the Harvard students actively recruit our students to apply to Harvard.”

Students like Samuel Evans of Kubasaki High School said the conference was a remarkable experience and gave him new perspective on his options after graduation, “Harvard Model Congress was one of the most important events in my recent life. It gave me a chance to get to know other people from different countries, and I feel that it is going to be very important to me in the future. I would definitely recommend this (HMC Asia) to everyone who can get the chance.”

Selected delegates were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their respective committees. The following DoDEA Pacific students earned Awards of Excellence for their high performance at HMC Asia:

Guam HS
Camarin Cruz, G-15 Committee

Kadena HS
Shane Kemeny, National Security Council
Peyton Lettkeman, Lobbyist, CATO Institute

Osan American HS
Claire Matthews, Cabinet, Secretary of Education

Seoul American HS
David Conboy, Cabinet, Secretary of Urban Development
Elizabeth Riehle, G-15 Committee
Lucas Shin, U.S. Senate

Yokota HS
Andrew Bissell, Media
Kerry Dittmeier, U.S. Supreme Court
Mikinzi Harvis, U.S. House of Representatives
Kristiane Sonnenberg, World Trade Organization
Zama American High School
Marie Ricafrente, Media

Kirby further explained that providing students challenging simulations like the HMC Asia conference provides opportunities for them to master interpersonal communication skills while exploring careers in diplomacy, government service, humanitarian aid, and journalism. EJ King HS sponsor Laird Small agreed and added, “Harvard Model Congress was outstanding.” For further information on HMC Asia: http://www.hmcasia.org

 

SINGAPORE (Jan. 15, 2012) 110 DoDEA Pacific delegates joined over 200 of
their peers from countries throughout Asia during the Harvard Model Congress
Asia Conference. 11 DoDEA Pacific students earned Awards of Excellence
including (L to R) Shane Kemeny (Kadena HS), Claire Matthews (Osan American
HS), Peyton Lettkeman (Kadena HS), Camarin Cruz (Guam HS), Elizabeth
Riehle (Seoul American HS), Lucas Shin (Seoul American HS), and David
Conboy (Seoul American HS).

 

SINGAPORE (Jan. 15, 2012) DoDEA Pacific students assumed government
leadership and journalistic roles during the Harvard Model Congress Asia
conference held here Jan. 13-15. Several DoDEA Pacific students distinguished
themselves as Outstanding Delegates including (L to R) Yokota High School
students Kerry Dittmeier, Andrew Bissell, Mikinzi Harvis, and Kristiane
Sonnenberg. Joining them was chaperone Michael Wagner.

About DoDEA Pacific Far East Activities and Athletics:

In addition to Harvard Model Congress Asia, DoDEA Pacific sponsors 24 other unique Far East athletic and scholastic opportunities throughout the school year. Scholastic events include Far East Journalism, Interdisciplinary Basic and Applied Research Academy, MathematicaFest, LinguaFest, and many more while athletic competition includes tennis, cheerleading, cross country, track and field, football, baseball, wrestling, among others. Far East events also include several art and music offerings such as Creative Expressions, Film and Entertainment Arts Festival, Culinary Arts, Honor Music, Jazz Festival, etc. Far East events reinforce DoDEA core curriculum by providing students area-wide festivals, symposiums and competitions to showcase their creative, academic and athletic talents. The events are coordinated and managed by the DoDEA Pacific area office with guidance provided by the Far East Activities and Athletic Councils.