Hoboken High School Debate Program Excels at Harvard Model Congress Conference
Students Earn Multiple Awards at Prestigious San Francisco Competition
Hoboken, NJ— (Tuesday, February 3, 2026) Twenty-four members of the Hoboken High School Debate Program recently traveled to San Francisco to compete in the highly respected Harvard Model Congress Conference, an international academic event hosted by Harvard University. The conference brought together top-performing students from across the United States and around the world to engage in rigorous legislative debate, mock trials, and policy-driven discussion.
Competing against students from elite high schools and universities, Hoboken High School debaters distinguished themselves through preparation, professionalism, and leadership—returning home with multiple awards and national recognition.
Award-Winning Achievements
Throughout the conference, Hoboken High School students demonstrated advanced skills in research, collaboration, public speaking, and persuasive advocacy. Honors were announced during the closing ceremony in recognition of standout performances across several committees.
In the Senate Judiciary Committee, Carolina Fernandez earned an Honorable Mention for her work on Reforming the Juvenile Justice System. Her ability to analyze complex legal issues, propose thoughtful solutions, and clearly articulate her arguments earned high praise from committee judges.
In the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Jai Malik and Jordyn Eisen both received Honorable Mentions for their impactful contributions. Their strong understanding of environmental and economic policy, combined with effective collaboration, helped shape productive and meaningful committee outcomes.
Additionally, Mark Pitino, Ashraf Abubakari, and Yuval Segall were awarded Best Litigation Team, a top honor recognizing exceptional teamwork and persuasive argumentation during competitive international mock trial rounds. Their success highlighted the depth of talent within the Redwing Debate Program and their ability to perform under pressure.
Guided by Advisors
The Hoboken High School Harvard Model Congress team is proudly guided by advisors Paul Huggins and Steve D’Bernado, who mentor students in debate strategy, parliamentary procedure, and public policy research. Their leadership helps students prepare for rigorous academic competitions and develop essential skills for future success.
Building Future Leaders
“These students exemplify the best of Hoboken High School,” said Robin Piccapietra, Principal of Hoboken High School. “Their success at the Harvard Model Congress Conference reflects not only their academic talent, but also their dedication, confidence, and ability to engage thoughtfully with complex global issues. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented our school and community.”
Participation in the Harvard Model Congress Conference reflects Hoboken High School’s ongoing commitment to providing students with enriching academic opportunities beyond the classroom. Members of the Debate Program spend months preparing for conferences, strengthening policy knowledge, mastering parliamentary procedure, and refining their communication skills.
Through debate, students develop critical thinking, leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement skills, preparing them for future success in college, careers, and public service.
Hoboken High School is proud of the Redwing Debate Program for continuing to raise the standard of excellence on both a national and international stage.