"The World Affairs Council is not just a great educational resource, it allows us to make high level contacts that are very useful for operating in the global economy."

John H. Davis
Trustee
The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation

 
Defending champions Sci-Tech discuss an answer during Academic
WorldQuest 2008

Academic WorldQuest

What began as a way to teach students about our world and broaden their knowledge in a fun, team-building manner has evolved into a dynamic national academic competition – and we’re pleased to help Western Massachusetts’ students be part of the excitement!

Under guidelines set forth by the World Affairs Councils of America, the annual WorldQuest competition is designed to enhance high school curriculum of geography, history, and world affairs. Beginning with cities such as Springfield, student teams are quizzed in categories such as:

• People in the news
• Countries
• Elections
• Current events
• The Organization of American States
• East Asia
• International Law
• UN Peacekeepers

In 2008, six Springfield public high schools fielded teams:  Putnam Vocational & Technical High School, Springfield Central High School, Springfield Renaissance Learning School, the International Baccalaureate Programme at the High School of Commerce, newcomers SAFE Early College High School, and returning champions for 2007 Springfield High School of Science & Technology.  Massachusetts State Senator Gale D. Candaras, served as moderator of the event held at Western New England College in Springfield on Saturday, January 26, 2008. 

The competition was again tight.  Early College emerged as the winner, followed closely by Renaissance in second place with Sci-Tech taking third.  Early College will represent the Council and our region at the national competition hosted by the World Affairs Councils of America on Saturday, April 5 in Washington, DC.

2008 Funders
The Eugene A. Dexter Charitable Fund
St. Germain Investment Management
Bacon & Wilson PC
Rediker Software

2008 Donors of Gifts & Prizes
Bank of Western Massachusetts
Mount Holyoke College
Smith College
TD Banknorth
Western New England College


October 1, 2008
Annual Meeting
The Honorable Richard E. Neal
US House of Representatives, 2nd Massachusetts Congressional District
The Next Celtic Tiger? Understanding Northern Ireland and Its Future

6:00 p.m.--Cash Bar Reception
6:30 p.m.--Dinner & Business Meeting
Springfield Sheraton at Monarch Place

Cost and other details to follow soon.

November 6, 2008
Instant Issues Brown Bag Series
Dr. Stephen R. Platt
Assistant Professor of Chinese History, University of Massachusetts--Amherst
China Behind the Headlines
Noon--Sovereign Bank Community Room
1350 Main Street, Downtown Springfield
$8.00 per person/$15 with a lunch

This program is part of the Springfield Public Forum's 2008 The City Thinks program.

December 3, 2008
Mr. John Zogby
President, Zogby International
The Way We'll Be

Reception & Dinner
Springfield Sheraton at Monarch Place

Cost, start time and other details to follow soon.

January 24, 2009
Academic WorldQuest 2009 Local Competition
Western New England College



February 18-20, 2009
World Affairs Councils of America National Conference
Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC

More details to follow soon.