In late March, more than two dozen BH-BL High School students traveled to New York City for the annual National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) conference.
BH-BL students represented the countries of Germany, Egypt and the United States in a wide range of committees that addressed various political, social, cultural, environmental and economic issues facing our world today. The conference attracted more than 5,000 students from schools across the United States and from more than 70 countries. There were five separate extensive committee sessions spread over four days, during which student delegates presented, debated, collaborated and negotiated to develop resolutions that were then voted on by committee members – reflective of the way the actual United Nations operates.
Max Mackey and Mia Weisman were recognized by their committee chairs with the Award of Distinction, evidence of their strong efforts in preparing for the conference as well as their work in their committee room.
The students who participated in the conference (in alphabetical order) are: Liz Abdoo, Calvin Banaszewski, Avery Broadbent, Johnny Brown, Jakob Byrnes, Emily Cheely, Alizee Cluzel, Kiernan Crary-Gracz, Regan Crary-Gracz, Gianna DeMartino, Evelyn Hooper, Jack Howard, Max Mackey, Atticus Marvin, Oliver Motel, Sawyer Mraz, Logan Muller, Riley Murphy, Ali Rispole, Brady Scianna, Matilda Smith, Carter St. Louis, Mia Weisman, Ryan Weygant, Lucas Wheeler and Danny White.
While in New York, students also had the opportunity to enjoy a group lunch at a German restaurant, they visited the German Consulate and met with a representative of the German delegation, and they saw a musical on Broadway.
Model United Nations is an educational simulation centered around the activities of the United Nations with the goals of furthering understanding about the United Nations, educating students about international relations and world issues, and promoting peace and the work of the UN through cooperation and diplomacy. BH-BL students in Model UN must do extensive preparation for each conference including background research on country and committee topics, writing a research-based position paper following Chicago-style formatting, and actively understand the rules and procedures of Harvard-style debate. They received instruction on – and practiced – skills like public speaking, research, debate, critical thinking, negotiation and collaboration throughout the year.