After several years of Hackley students going abroad to participate in Round Square Conferences, this year, middle school students from all over the world will travel to the Big Apple. Over 100 student representatives from 30 schools around the globe will attend the Conference hosted by Hackley from April 20 to 26. These students will spend touring time exploring New York City, visiting locations such as Ellis Island, Chinatown, and the United Nations, places often overlooked by New Yorkers, yet so representative of the values of the city and our nation.

In addition, the delegates will be engaged in community service and will watch the Broadway musical “Cats.” The representatives will also have the chance to hear from many speakers, including Christopher Swain, LaChanze, and a Syrian refugee. The Middle School will be sending four different delegates to each day of the four-day conference, allowing 16 students to get involved.

Many of Hackley’s Upper School students will participate in the action as well. Twenty-two Upper School representatives will be acting as group leaders, assisting Hackley in organizing this event. These group leaders will have the opportunity to teach and assist students from all over the world about the United States, and about this year’s Round Square pillar: democracy. Student leaders will no doubt enjoy this experience as they learn from all of these international students with diverse backgrounds and heritages.