Middleton High School’s Model United Nations Club traveled to Boston Feb. 6-10 for the Boston University Model United Nations Conference.
“Model UN is a great way for students to strengthen their public speaking and debate skills, as well as educate themselves on key global issues through various political and cultural perspectives,” said Megan Sipiorski, a Middleton High School teacher who also serves as the club’s advisor. “The club also creates many strong and lasting friendships by connecting students with similar interests.”
Student delegates participated in a variety of committees including the Economic and Financial Committee, UN Women, Sustainable Innovation Forum, World Conservation Fund, Chilean Constitutional Convention, US Press Council, LIV Golf, and several others. Conference topics included mitigating the global debt crisis, international climate cooperation efforts, the influence of media in society, and global access to education.
Students also heard from keynote speaker William Davis, Director of the United Nations Information Centre. In their free time, students explored historical sites including the Freedom Trail and Old State House, had an authentic Italian meal in the famous North End neighborhood, and visited the Harvard campus.
Sam Schoenke, Leah Saleh, Dina Abdel-Megid, Mallak Gadelhak, Ash Rogers, and Crystal Huang received individual awards for their performance in their respective committees.
Sipiorski said the club participates in conferences throughout North America each year. Their next conference is the Wisconsin High School Model UN Conference, which will be held at UW-Madison in March.
“Students build lasting connections both with fellow Middleton club members and with high school students from many other places who share a common interest in global studies,” Sipiorski said. “Because Model UN conferences are often hosted and run by universities, students have the ability to tour college campuses, connect with current college students and faculty, and learn about possible majors and global studies programs. Our travel also exposes us to a variety of unique keynote speakers, including United Nations' staff members, sitting U.S. Senators, and foreign aid workers.”
Sipiorski said new members are welcome to join at any point during the year. The club meets every Monday at 4:00 p.m. at Middleton High School.
“My favorite part is watching students have new experiences!” Sipiorski said. “The conference travel often takes us to places that are new to everyone, and we create many lasting memories experiencing these cities together. I also love seeing students challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zones, giving speeches to large groups of people, forming and leading alliance groups, and making successful diplomatic maneuvers on behalf of the country they are representing. It is very fun when club alumni come back to visit and share the unique – often international – paths they have taken after their time in Model UN!”