By Sivi Satchithanandan ’15, Staff Writer

Newark Academy has many different clubs encompassing service to hobbies to cultural activities. Among them are three that focus on helping students understand the political and legal processes better: Model Congress, Model United Nations, and Mock Trial. These clubs, which simulate the workings of important institutions, have flourished during this term.

Model Congress, affectionally known as “MOCO,” allows students to participate in a simulation of the United States Congress. However, it also includes other branches of the government such as the Executive (White House) and the Judicial (the Supreme Court). Different universities host conferences where high schools can come together and debate bills they have drafted. NA went to Yale’s the first weekend  in December for the 18^th time. Notable ‘issues’ at this session included the European financial crisis and the unrest in the Middle East. The NA delegation garnered an unprecedented 15 awards. Their faculty mentor, Ms. McNeilly-Anta, said, “I am genuinely proud of everyone. They are passionate and driven to excellence. Our delegates are tested on their Constitutional knowledge and debating skills.” Distinguishing MOCO from Mock Trial, Ms. McNeilly-Anta added, “We have no acting component.”

In a similar vein, Model United Nations allows students to simulate the activities of the UN such as the Security Council and General Assembly. Members of MUN role-play diplomats, research a country, investigate international issues and try to create solutions to these issues. These sessions usually include committees of the UN, diplomats

representing their countries, and other interested parties such as NGOs. NA attended the Rutgers MUN conference in November. Mr. Kanarek said, “it was a fantastic conference because debates were taken really seriously…. Students formed 12 different committees, which covered a number of global topics. For example small arms trade and rights of refugees.” When asked what the best part of the trip was, MUN leader Monica Murthy ’12 stated, “The element of collaboration and the attitude of compromise.”

Mock Trial replicates a trial in court. Participants play either the roles of attorneys, witnesses, or expert witnesses. Members are either on the defendant’s side, trying to prove someone innocent, or the prosecution’s, trying to prove someone guilty. Competitions between different schools are held at various levels all the way up to a national final. NA has been doing Mock Trial since 1984 and last year, won the county championship. According to Mr. Hawk, “This year’s case is about a theft and hate crime. This case will also teach kids to evaluate police procedures.” Captain Loryn Helfmann ’12 said, “The best part about Mock Trial is it combines acting and legal knowledge and lets you express creativity and intellect.”

All three clubs embody the intellectual vigor that makes Newark Academy such a great school. What is more, they encourage anyone who’s interested to join, and help Newark Academy students to strive to challenge themselves intellectually.