Deep-Thinking Delegates Take Law Into Their Own Hands

Tomorrow's leaders convened at Penn College on Wednesday, acting as delegates from across the country considering amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The 133 high school students from nine districts (Bellefonte Area, Berwick Area, East Lycoming, Hazleton Area, Jersey Shore Area, Loyalsock Township, South Williamsport Area, Susquenita and Williamsport Area) remained in their assigned characters throughout the mock constitutional convention – informally known as "ConCon" – in the Bush Campus Center, representing their respective states in discussing the ever-weighty issues of governing and preserving this American republic. Among those welcoming the group was Ashley R. Murphy, director of admissions, who applauded the young men and women for "thinking about things bigger than yourselves, boldly and bravely effecting positive change" in society.

– Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday, and Deb. B. Wescott, manager of conference and guest relations

 

Members of the Loyalsock Township contingent confidently gather in front of the college's "step and repeat" prior to opening ceremonies.

Fronted by table tents identifying their adopted states of origin, delegates prepare to tackle a packet of resolutions.

A sign outside a classroom outlines the serious committee work being done within.

Murphy warms up the "ConCon" crowd, likening their experience to the daily hands-on learning in all of Penn College's academic majors.

Hughesville High School classmates have some pre-convention fun with a photo frame.

The overall Best Delegate award was presented to Bellefonte's Brian Feldman ...

The convention's Best Parliamentarian honors went to Williamsport's Michael LeBlanc.

Selected by judges as the Best Delegation was this trio from Hughesville, designated "Texas B" for the proceedings.

... who was also honored with colleagues, entrusted to represent "Texas A," as the day's Most Accurate.

Students identified by the day's mentors as "superior delegates" fill the front of Penn's Inn when presented with their certificates after the plenary session.

Delegates cast their respective votes on a flag-desecration amendment, defending with equal fervor the right of free speech vs. the defense of a national symbol.

A team from South Williamsport took home the award for Best Drafted Resolution.