Portsmouth School Committee on Dec. 9 authorized Portsmouth High School's Model UN team to travel to conferences at Boston University in February and Boston College in March, provided students raise sufficient funds to cover expenses.

"BU is a huge conference this year," said Mr. Cassidy, the advisor who described last season's early wins and the team's fundraising plan. Committee members noted the trips will occur during school days, will be limited to a single missed day for students when possible, and are coordinated to avoid AP testing conflicts.

The motion to approve both trips passed unanimously, 6–0. Committee members praised the advisers for their time and the students for fundraising efforts and competitive success at prior conferences.