In April, the GHHS Model UN Team attend the Eagle Model United Nations Conference hosted by Boston College. Team members include Maggie Wessel, Stephanie Chute, Kate McIntosh, Abby Palmisciano, Luca Reo, Christian Cunningham, Ronan Hayes, and Kenny Lewis. Teacher Emily Mascia serves as advisor.
During the three-day conference, delegates worked collaboratively with students from all over the country to create resolutions for some of the world's most pressing issues. Students honed their public-speaking and communication skills; improved networking and negotiation skills; and were active global citizens. Out of over 600 participants Ronan Hayes received the highest award, Best Delegate, and Maggie Wessel received Verbal Commendation in their committees!
Congratulations to the following Grandview Heights High School Model UN Team members - Ronan Hayes, Lucas Schmied, Maggie Wessel, Christian Cunningham, Skylar Binning, Dean Colahan, Alek Sletten, Finn McKelvey, and Lily Rickert who attended the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) conference in New York City in March.
In preparation for the conference, the team was tasked with writing extensive position papers, outlining our country's stance (Montenegro) on many different global issues and topics. While in their respective committees, in pairs of two or as a single delegate, they exhaustively debated solutions to international crises, ranging from protecting East Ukrainian refugees, to reducing inter-communal violence in South Sudan.
Grandview Heights High School received the Award of Excellence for Research and Preparation and the Award of Merit for Overall Delegation (2nd highest and 3rd highest awards, respectively). Lucas Schmied was selected as a Plenary speaker for his respective committee.
These high honors stand tribute to the incredible tenacity of our students, the unwavering dedication towards forging a brighter future, and overall commitment to collaboration, diplomacy, and public speaking.
This conference is divided into two sessions. In Session I, team members heard from Dr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs for the United Nations Youth Office on the importance of involving our youth in creating policy and change. Each session hosts nearly 4,000 high school students from all around the globe--this year over 70 countries were represented.
GHHS teachers Kevin Richards and Anthony Wappner chaperoned the team. While in New York City, the team was able to explore and learn. Activities included experiencing the New York Stock Exchange, where we had the incredible opportunity to stand on the infamous floor and get a picture in front of the Closing Bell; visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Vanderbilt Tower; and
walking through many historical and significant areas of the city including the Financial District, East Village, and Chelsea areas.