A raid? A financial crisis? What is going on in this world?

Oh wait, it’s just Harvard Model Congress, where five Wilbraham & Monson Academy students won awards at this year’s always-entertaining event.

Colin Moussette ’26 was named a Best Delegate, while four others earned Honorable Mention Awards for their work in their respective committee.

Twenty-eight Titans participated in this year’s four-day HMC, which drew 1,500 eager high school students to Boston from throughout the country. Roughly five percent – so 75 of the 1,500 – won awards.

“Students get an intense immersion into the ‘business’ of legislation,” stated Dr. Anthony Kandel, WMA’s Faculty Advisor. “For those interested in politics, there is no better experience. They develop skills in negotiation, tact and public speaking, meet many new friends and have a lot of fun as well. 

“It is an intense experience, as students spend 6-8 hours each day working on their committees. It requires stamina and focus as well as skill, and the ability to maintain one's concentration and drive with limited time for sleep. It is not an activity for the faint of heart.”

When it comes to anything regarding Model Congress or Model United Nations, Colin has proven to have a huge heart. His most impressive Best Delegate Award comes after earning an honorable mention honor at the Yale Model UN event earlier this year.

“Winning the Best Delegate Award is a huge honor,” Colin said. “It was a great experience, and being recognized for my commitment to the program is very humbling. As a first-year (student) at WMA, it wouldn’t have been possible to win without the support of my close friends, my family and Dr. Kandel.”

Colin served as a Representative of Peru at The World Bank, which focused “on financial initiatives for Latin American infrastructure, with the goal of international cooperation on economic initiatives in mind,” Colin explained. 

“The biggest challenge at this year’s HMC was remaining on track in committee during the mock crisis scenarios,” he continued. “During one of my committee sessions, we simulated a raid by the FBI in a worldwide financial crisis. Staying on track with our committee proposals became challenging, but in the end, we pulled through. The crisis examples for the committee were entertaining and added a lot to the overall environment.”

Dr. Kandel shared: “Colin being honored with the prestigious Best Delegate Award at Harvard is an amazing accomplishment, especially as a first-time attendee. Colin worked hard to gain the skill and experience necessary to excel, and then while at Harvard he demonstrated from the start that he was up to the task to bring home the gold.”

Also winning awards for WMA were: Ha Anh Nguyen ’25, Ryan Cooley ’26, Ximena Perez Garcia ’26 and Vicky Luo ’28.

“Our five award winners demonstrated an admirable work ethic combined with superb skills to be recognized for their excellence,” Dr. Kandel noted.