Who doesn’t love snow days? Staying in all day instead of going to school is most students’ dream. Benet Scholars who attended the Harvard Model Congress received two snow days, but not the usual kind. While other Redwings were attending school, the scholars were stuck at the conference due to a powerful Nor’easter.

Harvard Model Congress is the oldest and largest simulation conference in the country. High schoolers from all over the United States act as members of Congress or other government officials. Their goal is to pass legislation and participate in friendly debate. Harvard Model Congress is a phenomenal educational opportunity for all students and faculty involved.

Maddy Novak, a junior involved in Benet Scholars said, “The event itself was really fun. I mean it’s always good to see different people from all over and different backgrounds.” With the conference being the biggest in the nation, Benet students met people from many unique places, a feature Maddy enjoyed.

Surprisingly, the conference itself was not the most memorable aspect of the trip. Instead, the snowstorm that left the HMC crew stranded in Boston ended up being the talk of the town. Novak described how Mr. Perez, one of the moderators for Benet Scholars and a chaperone for the trip, had to explain to them their options with the fast approaching snowmaggedon. They could either wait until the storm died down and catch a flight Tuesday or get in a van and drive about seventeen hours home. The consensus was clearly in favor of waiting for the flight. The following days were filled with piles of homework. However, they also included fun adventures—snow ball fights being one example— and endless memories that members of the group surely bonded over.

It brings much joy knowing the HMC Scholars have made it back safely, and with a multitude of stories to tell. What started as an academic trip turned into an unexpected adventure Benet Scholars will not forget any time soon.