Proof that these skills are developing in our students is apparent each year when the middle school conducts its Model United Nations. This year's Model UN will occur on January 21st.

Students prepare for several weeks as a member state of the United Nations. In small groups they research their nation’s political and economic systems, domestic issues and international conflicts. From this wealth of information, students draft resolutions to present to the General Assembly on Model UN Day. This year, the resolutions focused on issues such as nuclear disarmament, human trafficking, violence due to religious prejudice and disease epidemics. Students must listen carefully to the facts presented and vote from their country’s perspective on the issues. It is challenging, rich and meaningful, and invariably the students make us proud with the level of commitment and learning they demonstrate.

From working collaboratively in groups, conducting targeted research to speaking in a microphone, students gain many skills through Model UN. They enrich their knowledge of geography, politics, foreign relations, trade alliances and parliamentary procedure. Ultimately, they gain an understanding of how difficult it is to resolve differences among nations, and the positive power that lies within doing so.

 

From my place onstage as Parliamentarian, seated next to Secretary-General Kersey, I glimpse our future leaders questioning, evaluating, discussing, agreeing, disagreeing and growing into the amazing young adults they are becoming. One of the best parts? When several students come into my class the next day and say, “Model UN was so fun! I can’t wait to do it again next year.”